So I buy the car on Wednesday, get it home despite a ton of rain that hits 1/2 way home....put her in the garage, play around awhile...starting a few times to check things out (and listen to her purrrrrrr). Come home the next day, excited to take the tops off and out for the first 'official' cruise, turn the key but nothing....not even a 'click'.

So I tried everything....checked the battery and its connections...its fine (full 12 volts). Not corrosion on any of the connections. Clutch all the way down, tried starting while shift is in every possible gear...nothing. Tapped on the starter with a hammer...nothing (didn't think it would be since I wasn't even getting that 'bad starter' click).

I had to work today, and really need (scratch that...WANT) the car for the weekend, so I had to call a flatbed to bring her to the shop. Even that didn't work 'cause the car is too low and hooking her up might damage the trim.

So they help me push the car down the alleyway, pop the clutch in 2nd gear and she starts right up....so I carefully driver her to the shop, shut it down and of course try the key again, but nothing.

So its there...waiting for her turn to be looked at...but other than the obvious starter or selenoid, or neutral safety switch, what do you think it could be? Anyone have a similar situation?

Its a 1977 L48 4 Speed Manual....

 

Its probably a safety switch.

 

Probably, the fact that it started when pushed means all the other electricals work, Ignition, lights etc.

 

There is an ignition wire connected by a "spade" connector, it slips over an electrical terminal on the starter solenoid. It is the wire that comes from the key switch to the starter. This wire has either slipped off of the slide on connector or the wire may have snapped. It is a small gauge wire. Wish I had pics to show you, but I don't.

 

Have you checked to see if the starter itself works? Short the main terminal to one of the small terminals on the back of the starter. Use a large screwdriver and be prepared for some sparks. It's not the safest thing in the world to do, but it's a sure way to see if the starter works.

My car wouldn't start one time, and it was because the actual ignition module had moved on the steering column. For my car, turning the key pushes a rod that runs down the steering column. That rod moves a slider in the ignition switch. The switch is mounted with two slotted holes, and it's possible the switch can move. Simply adjusting the position of the switch solved the problem I had.

Ken

 

Thank you all for the replies.
I did try the "screwdriver" trick to jump the starter, and that resulted in nothing as well.

Turned out to be a starter. They took it out and bench tested it and it was shot. New one is in and so far/so good.

Its just my luck that one day after getting the car home, the starter goes....no notice like you sometimes get with them either. Worked one time, then not the next.

Could have been worse. I could have been on the road rather than in my garage, so I won't complain.

If nothing else, I gain some knowledge out of this. First is that my car can't be towed or flatbedded very easy because its so low and has a front spolier that would be damaged with the chains. Second is more important than anything....I FOUND A RELIABLE/TRUSTWORTHY/REASONABLE shop! That is not easy to do, but that in itself was worth it.

BTW...the 'tow' assistance, parts, labor tax and all came too less than $200. In my opinion thats very fair for the work done.