Won't start
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
Won't start
Had a problem starting a while back but hadn't reoccurred until today. Turned the key this morning and nothing happened. Figured I hadn't pressed the clutch ('74 4spd) in far enuf. Tried it again and started right up. Went to the gas station, filled the tank, hit the starter and nothing. Tried 4-5 more times, nothing. Called AAA and an hour later got towed home. Had them set it in the driveway. Tried again. This time there was a feeling like a spring or something like that broke when I went to "start". Now the ignition switch freewheels thru the run position thru the start position and back to the off position. It still allows the shift lever in/out of reverse when you go from off to run but there is no "start" position. It sounds like I have at least 2 problems and I have no idea where to start on either one. The more detailed info that can be provided will be greatly appreciated. Have a great day, Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
there's a plastic rack that connects a 'push rod' that extends from the key mechanism to the ignition switch to select off, run, start, etc.
it sounds like the old plastic has given up the ghost. check jim shea's papers for repair info.
it sounds like the old plastic has given up the ghost. check jim shea's papers for repair info.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 25
From: Boynton Beach Florida
Sounds like the starter switch located under the dash on the steering column that I replaced yesterday on mine. Same thing, one time it starts the next the power comes on but in the "start" position nothing but air. A few more tries it might start.
The contact wears down inside the switch creating a greater distance and sometimes the rod can reach sometimes it can't. It's not a fun job but not terribly difficult and the part in my case was $16 at Advance Auto. Took 30 minutes to install just very limited space to work with.
The contact wears down inside the switch creating a greater distance and sometimes the rod can reach sometimes it can't. It's not a fun job but not terribly difficult and the part in my case was $16 at Advance Auto. Took 30 minutes to install just very limited space to work with.
