all good points , make sure the ground on the batterie is clean and good. 
1970 Strange Electrical/Ignition Issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 763
Likes: 42
From: Detroit MI
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
1970 Strange Electrical/Ignition Issue
I have never had any electrical issues with my 1970 Corvette in 25 years of ownership, but something has appeared over the past couple of weeks.
The issue:
1. Enter car, all electrical is working (interior lights, etc.) and attempt to start car. The starter engages turns a couple of times and then nothing. Starter stops, electrical system is dead. No interior lights, no relay buzzer nothing.
2. After around 5 minutes, electrical seems to re-appear (lights, buzzer, ignition), turn ignition key and the car starts right up.
3. I drove it in 25 miles to work this morning without a hitch. Car can be stopped and starts right up.
4. Problem has reappeared twice in a row after around 4 days of sitting.
Obviously, there is a short or the starter could be throwing too much resistance, but I do not know of anything that will reset after a few minutes. Fusible links burn out correct?
Thoughts on where to start would be appreciated.
Car is a 100% stock 350/350hp 4 speed car. Alternator is original (61 amp) but starter is a replacement from around 15 years ago.
The issue:
1. Enter car, all electrical is working (interior lights, etc.) and attempt to start car. The starter engages turns a couple of times and then nothing. Starter stops, electrical system is dead. No interior lights, no relay buzzer nothing.
2. After around 5 minutes, electrical seems to re-appear (lights, buzzer, ignition), turn ignition key and the car starts right up.
3. I drove it in 25 miles to work this morning without a hitch. Car can be stopped and starts right up.
4. Problem has reappeared twice in a row after around 4 days of sitting.
Obviously, there is a short or the starter could be throwing too much resistance, but I do not know of anything that will reset after a few minutes. Fusible links burn out correct?
Thoughts on where to start would be appreciated.
Car is a 100% stock 350/350hp 4 speed car. Alternator is original (61 amp) but starter is a replacement from around 15 years ago.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
Sounds like a battery related issue. Either the battery is shorting internally (how old is it?) or it's the battery cables, a short, corrosion, ground, etc.. When the lights won't come on at all, you have an "open" somewhere. Most likely place is the battery. Swap the battery in it and see if the problem persists.
Last edited by Revi; Aug 18, 2017 at 10:06 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 763
Likes: 42
From: Detroit MI
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Battery is old (2011), but supplies plenty of power. Will check it further.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The key information in this one is that "all electrical is dead" on occasion, and a bit later is fine.
For that to happen, it MUST be a main cable connection or internal wire damage (usually near a terminal). It could be a loose connection. But something is amiss with either the positive or negative battery cable (or main grounding line from frame to engine).
For that to happen, it MUST be a main cable connection or internal wire damage (usually near a terminal). It could be a loose connection. But something is amiss with either the positive or negative battery cable (or main grounding line from frame to engine).
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 154
From: Deplorableville Nebraska
Years ago I had a very similar issue. Run, stop, run, stop etc. After much hair pulling and diagnosing, it ended up being the fuse link at the horn relay. Looked ok on the outside, but burnt on the inside. Also a '70 L46.
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