Starting problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pointblank Texas
Starting problem
I have 82 that won't start when I drive for a while. Cranks right up using jumper cables. Doesn't always do it, but when it does it leaves me cold.
Safety Neutral switch was disabled and still does it. Have replaced starter many times because that is what they (mechanics) told me that was the problem. Also really drains the battery when left undriven. Help me.. my husband thinks I should just get rid of it.. NOT going to happen..LOL.. HELP
Safety Neutral switch was disabled and still does it. Have replaced starter many times because that is what they (mechanics) told me that was the problem. Also really drains the battery when left undriven. Help me.. my husband thinks I should just get rid of it.. NOT going to happen..LOL.. HELP
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
is it the 35o engine in there or something aftermarket? Usually this sounds like a possible heat soak problem which is why the mechanics keep saying replace the starter, its an issue with big hot engines; but you should not be experiencing this. I am gonna say there is something wrong with the charging system, have you had the alternator tested? maybe a bad ground.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
How old is the battery? If it starts right up with jumper cables, a bad battery is the most likely suspect.
But, before replacing it, check to make sure the cables at the battery are free of corrosion and mounted tightly.
But, before replacing it, check to make sure the cables at the battery are free of corrosion and mounted tightly.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pointblank Texas
OK< so I will do this... I think I need to do a lot of stuff.. Just don't know where to start. I always disconnect my battery when not going to drive it so yesterday I noticed that the screws that go into the battery are pretty short.. So bought some others going to try that also. Thank you so much for your response.. I think I'm going to love this site..
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,668
Likes: 2,564
they are short to prevent them from bottoming out and leaving the cable loose. Check the ground cable under the car for corrosion where it connects to the frame in addition to the other suggestions above.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pointblank Texas
Aftmarket, supermarket.. trust me I would not know.. I have replaced the alternator severl times, because having to depend on mechanics in a small town.. I just do what they tell me. So I think this site will give me the moxie to try these things myself.. Thanks I am taking all these responses to task.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 653
From: Thunder Bay
If it starts with a jump from another battery it is either the battery, or the connections at your battery. Until you said that, I was thinking heat soak as well. Common problem on these cars. Is it possible that by the time you get the jumper cables hooked up, the car has cooled off enough that it would start anyway?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pointblank Texas
Last time it happened I had driven 30 minutes from my home and was parked for maybe only 5 minutes got right back in and didn't start. I am looking now for all the things I have been told.. Let me ask you... how about the cowl underneath? I damaged mine a few months ago and haven't replaced it.. Do you think that it is getting so hot that it would cause this? I remember someone telling me to replace ASAP.. I drove it from Savannah GA to Texas and it only did it once.. Seems like it would have happened more if this was the case. I don't know.. just asking. Thank you !!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Check the short (length) ground cable between the right side frame motor mount and the block. Dirty connection, loose, missing, internal corrosion, one time or another I've seen all of those.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 653
From: Thunder Bay
Last time it happened I had driven 30 minutes from my home and was parked for maybe only 5 minutes got right back in and didn't start. I am looking now for all the things I have been told.. Let me ask you... how about the cowl underneath? I damaged mine a few months ago and haven't replaced it.. Do you think that it is getting so hot that it would cause this? I remember someone telling me to replace ASAP.. I drove it from Savannah GA to Texas and it only did it once.. Seems like it would have happened more if this was the case. I don't know.. just asking. Thank you !!
I also like the idea of checking all the connections at the battery and starter. I also had a similar problem with mine that turned out to be a loose connection at the starter solenoid. I guess if you own one of these cars long enough, you will experience all the problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,046
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
More information about this battery drain problem.
Are the wiring connections to the starter solenoid correct? Sometimes the ground wire to the starter ends up on the positive post of the solenoid - very dangerous - causes fires.
Are the wiring connections to the starter solenoid correct? Sometimes the ground wire to the starter ends up on the positive post of the solenoid - very dangerous - causes fires.
