Starting problems
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: wellington fl
Starting problems
Sometimes when I get in my 1977 corvette and turn the key nothing happens. If I turn the key back and fourth it will start up. The starter is about a year old. Someone at the car show tonight said it may be the tumbler. This is a four speed car. Any suggestions? Thanks
Last edited by Bill Jones; Oct 23, 2015 at 09:37 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 316
Likes: 39
From: Machesney Park IL
Ok, I'll start...
Key turns, there is nothing wrong with the lock tumblers.
That leaves the starter, clutch start switch, ignition switch and wires. I would kinda rule out wires, as "jiggling" the key would not affect that. I would assume you keep the clutch pedal down as you jiggle, so it would either be making contact, or not. Ignition switch, or starter.
Get a test light and put the alligator clip, that you normally ground it with, on the small starter terminal, with a purple wire connected to it. The pointy end of the test light, that you normally look for power with, should be grounded to metal on the engine. Turn the key and watch the light. If it does not start, and the light lights up, it's the starter. If the light does not light up, you need to trace back and see where the connection was lost, ignition switch, clutch...
Key turns, there is nothing wrong with the lock tumblers.
That leaves the starter, clutch start switch, ignition switch and wires. I would kinda rule out wires, as "jiggling" the key would not affect that. I would assume you keep the clutch pedal down as you jiggle, so it would either be making contact, or not. Ignition switch, or starter.
Get a test light and put the alligator clip, that you normally ground it with, on the small starter terminal, with a purple wire connected to it. The pointy end of the test light, that you normally look for power with, should be grounded to metal on the engine. Turn the key and watch the light. If it does not start, and the light lights up, it's the starter. If the light does not light up, you need to trace back and see where the connection was lost, ignition switch, clutch...
