Starting problems on a 76
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21
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Starting problems on a 76
Last fall my 76 would no longer start and I let it go until this past week. The battery was replaced last summer and has been maintained on a trickle charger since then as well. Lights, radio, heater, windows all work. But car still did not start. Then I used a screwdriver from the solenoid to the starter and the car turned over and started while my wife turned the key and gave it gas. I ran it for a half hour. Turned it off and started it up again two more times using just the ignition. Then let it sit for another half hour and tried to start it and it would not start - turned the key and got nothing.
Tried it again this morning and it barely turned over but it finally did start.
I notice that when it is running, the amperage (battery) gauge needle will be at about 14 amps, but then ease down to 0 amps. I also noticed it would do this immediately if I turn on the headlights.
I don't think I have an ignition, solenoid, starter or battery problem - but do I have an alternator problem???
Thanks for any feedback.
Tried it again this morning and it barely turned over but it finally did start.
I notice that when it is running, the amperage (battery) gauge needle will be at about 14 amps, but then ease down to 0 amps. I also noticed it would do this immediately if I turn on the headlights.
I don't think I have an ignition, solenoid, starter or battery problem - but do I have an alternator problem???
Thanks for any feedback.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by wmrvette1976
I notice that when it is running, the amperage (battery) gauge needle will be at about 14 amps, but then ease down to 0 amps. .
My guess its somewhere in the starter circuit.
Pull it out and clean up all the connections, Clean the other end of the ground as well.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From what you stated...
If I understand, When it does not start, you mean it doesn't roll over. It sounds like you have a ground problem(for my first guess), or you do have a problem with the solenoid/starter which hasn't fully incapacitated your starter. Next time it doesn't start, try tapping the starter while you wife turns the key. If it starts up, one or the other is on its way out.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 2
From: rockwall tx
Originally Posted by mstock
try tapping the starter while you wife turns the key. If it starts up, one or the other is on its way out.
