I've got a 1970, 4 speed, 454 vette that I have trouble starting. Was starting ok and running great until recently when it wouldn't start. Using a brand new battery (800 CCA) and it has a full charge. Don't get a clicking sound and no interior lights come on when door is open. Put a portable power pack to it and it started, although not very easily. It also didn't idle very high. Ran it for about thirty minutes and it did fine. After about an hour I went to start it again and it wouldn't start, no clicking sound, nothing. Put the portable power pack on it and it started (again with some difficulty), again not idling very high, but every time I stopped at a stop light it wanted to cut off. It did cut off once, but I was lucky and it restarted w/o the power pack. I checked all the connections at the battery, starter and alternator and all were good. First question is: any suggestions or ideas as to cause?

I figured I would start by removing the +/- battery cables, since they had been in the car for at least 20 years, maybe longer. They appear to be in good shape, (no idea on gauge) but thought I would replace them. I am told the originals were side mount, with "0" gauge. These are top mount. Second question: any suggested sources, approx 86" on + and approx 24" on negative.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

I have found that the "ground" cable attachment at the frame is the culprit more often than not. It's fairly easy to get to - just jack up the driver's side (with jack stand safety) and see where it connects to the frame. Take out the bolt and clean the bolt and cable end. Also, there is supposed to be a "star" washer between the cable end and the frame (to ensure a good connection to the frame).

Also - do you have the (other) grounding cable connected: from the passenger side frame motor mount boss to the engine?

 

A bad connection may be quite easy to find.

Use a couple of jumpstart cables, run from battery + and to the batterycable side of the starter.
Does it start?

If not run the starter cable from batter - to the engine block ground.
If this doesnt help try with both + and - cables connected.

Happy hunting.

//Ricky

 

Thanks for the input, I'll try your suggestions.

 

I agree with udormf4 said. I had hot start issues on my small block 76. Turned out to be a worn ground battery cable, Went to NAPA, they made one to the correct length and ends - $12.00 and 15 minutes later the problem was fixed. No Issues at all now.