81 won't start...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
81 won't start...
Working on my '81 Vette today, trying to set the timing. Distributor 4 wire connected disconnected per setting timing instructions on the emissions sticker. Running fine, turned engine off to loosen the crow's foot on the distributor for adjustment. Got distributor loose (took about 20 minutes, damn that crow's foot is difficult to reach), went back to start the car, nothing. Usually there is a little fan running when the car is in run, before start. Nothing. No lights, no power locks, nothing. Battery has 12.7 v. There is 12.68 volts on the terminal on the starter motor. Checked ground to chassis, 0.1 ohm. Ground to block, 0.2 ohm.
What causes entire vehicle to loose power but battery and connections still good?
Thanks in advance!
What causes entire vehicle to loose power but battery and connections still good?
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
The grounds have been checked. Although the car is an '81, it is relatively rust and grime-free. Most of them still look shiny. And voltmeter at each point only shows about 0.1 ohm drop though each wire. Also true for positive side (remember, at the starter i only have a 0.1 volt drop relative to what i have at the battery posts-also true at the alternator).
dburgjohn, what switch are you thinking specifically? Can this be a anti-theft dissarm somehow?
thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Check the wires on the starter. You may have pulled one off
I forget which years buy a hot wire runs from the starter to the fuse box.
I forget which years buy a hot wire runs from the starter to the fuse box.
Last edited by hugie82; Jan 26, 2012 at 02:11 PM. Reason: .
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Found the problem...The hot line that is supposed to supply the fuse block originates at the starter. There is a connector under the hood on the passenger side, it's a six connector (2X3) that goes into a bundle before going along the firewall on the engine side, and then passing into the passenger cabin and ultimately the fuse block. Mine was a bit corroded and loose so it intermitently supplied the fuse block.
Thanks for all ideas!
Thanks for all ideas!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Found the problem...The hot line that is supposed to supply the fuse block originates at the starter. There is a connector under the hood on the passenger side, it's a six connector (2X3) that goes into a bundle before going along the firewall on the engine side, and then passing into the passenger cabin and ultimately the fuse block. Mine was a bit corroded and loose so it intermitently supplied the fuse block.
Thanks for all ideas!
Thanks for all ideas!
Thanks!
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
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Advance carries "Dorman" products, you might not find a factory Look connector but they might have something.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
Try these guys they make reproduction electrical wiring harnesses.
I bought the one for the starter not cheap but is better than original
http://www.lectriclimited.com/mainpage.htm
I bought the one for the starter not cheap but is better than original
http://www.lectriclimited.com/mainpage.htm
