1972 350 starter question
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 9
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From: Montreal Quebec
1972 350 starter question
Hi. I just got my starter replaced and have a small doubt on the proper installation.
The starter has four wires: two heavy gauge wires and two thinner 14awg(?) wres. The starter has three studs: one large and two smaller. Obviously the two heavy gauge wires go to the one large stud, but the other two wires could theoretically go to either of the two remaining studs.
The car starts nicely. The battery is not draining after 1 week. Is it possible that the two smaller wires are misplaced? Maybe it doesn't matter? Maybe i was lucky and got it right?
If i was unlucky and crossed them, what are the consequences / symptoms?
Thanks.
Frank
The starter has four wires: two heavy gauge wires and two thinner 14awg(?) wres. The starter has three studs: one large and two smaller. Obviously the two heavy gauge wires go to the one large stud, but the other two wires could theoretically go to either of the two remaining studs.
The car starts nicely. The battery is not draining after 1 week. Is it possible that the two smaller wires are misplaced? Maybe it doesn't matter? Maybe i was lucky and got it right?
If i was unlucky and crossed them, what are the consequences / symptoms?
Thanks.
Frank
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 24
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From: Pascagoula Mississippi
The smaller wires should be on the top inside post closest to the block. I don't know what the symptoms may be besides the car not starting or at least catching on fire (if the fusible links were taken out). I'd say if everything works, you're probably ok, but you might want to check to be sure 
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 395
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From: Yomitan-son Okinawa
Run is ON , the position that the engine runs in as your driving down the road
Start is crank when the key is forced all the way against spring pressure
In the Start position the purple and the S terminal should have power.
In the On position the purple and S should not have power BUT the yellow and the R terminal should have power.
If the yellow is accidentally put on the S terminal with the purple the engine will start but the starter will remain cranking in the ON position also
Not mine, but hope you can understand it.
Start is crank when the key is forced all the way against spring pressure
In the Start position the purple and the S terminal should have power.
In the On position the purple and S should not have power BUT the yellow and the R terminal should have power.
If the yellow is accidentally put on the S terminal with the purple the engine will start but the starter will remain cranking in the ON position also
Not mine, but hope you can understand it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Sounds like you got it correct...
But if you want to make sure:
the purple wire connects to the small terminal closest to the block
the yellow wire connects to the small terminal closest to the fender
the red and large black connect to the big terminal
You may also have a small black wire with a large terminal, that's a ground for the wiper and blower motor. It gets connected to a starter or bell housing bolt.
Heres a schematic:
http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv/mis...tte%201972.pdf
the purple wire connects to the small terminal closest to the block
the yellow wire connects to the small terminal closest to the fender
the red and large black connect to the big terminal
You may also have a small black wire with a large terminal, that's a ground for the wiper and blower motor. It gets connected to a starter or bell housing bolt.
Heres a schematic:
http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv/mis...tte%201972.pdf
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 9
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From: Montreal Quebec
Thank you for your comments and wiring diagrams. Unfortunately, both "small" wires are red - hence the original confusion.
Would someone have any idea if it would work if perchance they were reversed? Else i may have to disconnect them again and ring them out.
Would someone have any idea if it would work if perchance they were reversed? Else i may have to disconnect them again and ring them out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
Beginning at the starter, trace back the two red wires to see if there is a splice. Then check the wire colors. Bubba spliced in a wire of the same color as the other. I found the correct color after tracing them back. If this works, make the correct connections to the R and S terminals on the starter solenoid. Once I fixed them on my 73, it has started every time.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Huh? 
The '69-72 have two wires that feed supply voltage to the coil. One is to feed 12vdc to it during starting; and the other is to feed 'current-limited' voltage to the coil when engine is running. For that to be wired correctly, you need a starter solenoid with both R and S terminals and the correct wire needs to be on the correct terminal as described above. Putting both wires on a 'single terminal' solenoid will just subject your coil to excessive current when the engine is running.
The '69-72 have two wires that feed supply voltage to the coil. One is to feed 12vdc to it during starting; and the other is to feed 'current-limited' voltage to the coil when engine is running. For that to be wired correctly, you need a starter solenoid with both R and S terminals and the correct wire needs to be on the correct terminal as described above. Putting both wires on a 'single terminal' solenoid will just subject your coil to excessive current when the engine is running.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
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you're right , I spazzed and was thinking hei, actually I need to correct my self even more and say ' the way I have mine hooked to my mini starter', my bad, more coffee on the way.
Last edited by oldalaskaman; Aug 8, 2012 at 12:37 PM.