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starter selonoid wiring issue

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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 08:47 PM
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Default starter selonoid wiring issue

My 73 shows no voltage at the purple wire to the s terminal. But cranks and starts. Car has auto trans and has been converted to HEI ignition. I discovered this when I attempted to wire my new electric radiator fans through the starter. Anyone out there have an idea on the problem.
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 09:02 PM
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It will only have power when the key is turned to the start position.
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by my 76 ray
It will only have power when the key is turned to the start position.
Key is in run position...
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 09:16 PM
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No power to the purple wire in the run position. Correct operation. The purple wire is what engages the solenoid and runs the starter motor.
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 09:23 PM
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As said above, hot only in "start":
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by TimAT
No power to the purple wire in the run position. Correct operation. The purple wire is what engages the solenoid and runs the starter motor.
Thanks for the help!
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Old Sep 15, 2013 | 04:47 PM
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I know this is an old topic but can someone help me with the electrical diagram above, i have a question.

My '80 Vette would not start. When i turned the key the starter motor rotates but the engine would not turn over, so i thought about a defective starter pinion. I know the solenoid has a sort of "overtake" function build in so if the solenoid does not move the main electric contacts will not touch and the starter motor will not rotate, so it must have been something mechanical.

I removed the starter and disassembled it. Found the problem quickly, the small pin which connects the solenoid anchor to the lever was fallen out so this is why the pinion did not engage.

I have studied the connectors and the "R" connector only becomes "live" if the solenoid has pulled the anchor in and connecte the main circuit to the starter. But why is this R connector feeding the coil as seen on the diagram above??? If the engine starts up en you let go of the key the solenoid returnes and the R connector looses connectivity, so no power to the coils, or am i wrong?

Thanks for explaining, Rene
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Old Sep 15, 2013 | 05:46 PM
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It only applies 12 volts to the "R" terminal while it is starting. It bypasses the resistor that reduces current through the points in normal operation. That's where the 2nd wire on the + side of coil is coming from.

JIM
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Old Sep 15, 2013 | 11:37 PM
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Rene,

Your '80 has an HEI ignition which does not have a wire between the "R" terminal and the coil.
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 12:08 AM
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Originally Posted by my 76 ray
Rene,

Your '80 has an HEI ignition which does not have a wire between the "R" terminal and the coil.
OOPs...good point!


JIM
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 06:04 AM
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Originally Posted by my 76 ray
Rene,

Your '80 has an HEI ignition which does not have a wire between the "R" terminal and the coil.
That is correct, sorry for not mentioning. My '80 does indeed have no wire on the R terminal but i was wondering what it does, regarding to the diagram above.

Excellent explanation, thanks!

Mechanically i think i can do a lot on my Vette, but regarding electrics i have only very basic knowledge and am trying to learn here.

Thanks guys,
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