76 still won't start, need help please
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: New Baltimore MI
Plugs are ok, they were replaced last year. Checked for spark and it is not blue/white, it is orange. The choke and float are open and they work properly. What's left to check in the electrical system?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
On HEI distributors you have a BAT terminal with a red wire going into the clip that connects to the dist. Get a meter and poke the positive lead up into the underside of this clip with the entire thing assembled. Connect the negative lead of the meter to something on the block, anywhere with exposed metal will do. Now, in the ignition off state you should have nothing, 0V. Turn the key but do not start it and you should have +12V or slightly higher. If you don't then you have an electrical problem of some kind leading to the dist.
Now, with your helper, start the car and watch the voltage on the meter during the opertion. If it is dropping below 12V then you have a weak BAT or ground problem on your car. If it stays solid then your problem is somewhere else and move on. The real key in your case sounds like comparing how the power into the dist is behaving before and after you have the problem.
I had an electrical problem about 3 weeks ago that resulted in an unstabled +12V going in to the BAT ternminal and it made my car run like poop. Never could get a solid idle, etc.
Now, with your helper, start the car and watch the voltage on the meter during the opertion. If it is dropping below 12V then you have a weak BAT or ground problem on your car. If it stays solid then your problem is somewhere else and move on. The real key in your case sounds like comparing how the power into the dist is behaving before and after you have the problem.
I had an electrical problem about 3 weeks ago that resulted in an unstabled +12V going in to the BAT ternminal and it made my car run like poop. Never could get a solid idle, etc.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: New Baltimore MI
The vette still won't start after the latest test. I don't want to repeat myself and sounds boring. I have too many posts on this problem. I always have questions but the bottom line is still the same. Please read my post regarding the engine ground strap. Looking help always, thanks, GG
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Goldendale Washington
You need more than just fuel and spark to make an engine run. You also need "AIR" and "EXHAUST". If you can't breath, you choke. If you can't fart, you'll cramp up and die.
If the car is parked outside a lot, look up the tail pipe and see if anyone's shoved anything up it's *** (like a spud). If the pipe seems free of any signs of mischief, look at the breather. Chances are, though, it's probably the choke stuck on full position.
If the car is parked outside a lot, look up the tail pipe and see if anyone's shoved anything up it's *** (like a spud). If the pipe seems free of any signs of mischief, look at the breather. Chances are, though, it's probably the choke stuck on full position.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Gary,
You mentioned an orange ignition spark, but I can't recall if you said you had changed out the ignition module/coil or not. These do go bad and can cause your problem. You seem to have eliminated almost everything else.
Good luck... GUSTO
You mentioned an orange ignition spark, but I can't recall if you said you had changed out the ignition module/coil or not. These do go bad and can cause your problem. You seem to have eliminated almost everything else.
Good luck... GUSTO