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Since purchasing this '71 BB with a solid roller valvetrain, I plan on checking the valve lash sometime over the winter/early spring.
On newer cars I've always used a remote start switch tool ... using power and also finding a post on the starter solenoid, often found under the hood. It's easier than using the ignition to bump the starter/turn the engine.
I'm new (again) to the C3 and don't know the best way to do this... I'm assuming the starter solenoid is at the starter itself down by the block; probably not impossible to fish up through into the engine compartment, but if there is a power lead somewhere under hood, that would be helpful. Understand... I'm not actually trying to start the car, just bump the starter remotely to turn the engine over a bit at a time in order to check/set the valves.
Any assistance from those who have done this would be appreciated... or, if I'm missing another very obvious way to easily turn over the engine (crank by hand with a breaker bar is always an option, too), let me know.
You are correct that the switch has to be connected to the solenoid which is on the starter. On my SB, i pull the plugs and turn the engine over by hand with a socket and ratchet.
You are correct that the switch has to be connected to the solenoid which is on the starter. On my SB, i pull the plugs and turn the engine over by hand with a socket and ratchet.
That may indeed be easier. Nothing wrong with swapping plugs (might as well if I pull them, at least this time, since it will be my first to check them) while I'm working under the hood anyway doing maintenance. Thanks for the advice.
Both the power and starter solenoid feed are down by the starter. A switch will work, but you will have to jack the car up to connect it at the starter.
You could just run a wire from the solenoid up into the engine bay and then get power from the horn relay.
Last edited by Sigforty; Nov 22, 2019 at 05:24 PM.
Hey Richard... yes, I have one of those. I haven't used it in a few years, but its in my toolbox. I was just hoping the C3 might have an underhood solenoid or starter relay that I could hook up to, so I didn't have to get under the car and connect directly to the starter. :P
My mechanic friend uses a 2 foot long metal push-finger clamp. The kind with the three little extending fingers on the end. Clips that to the starter solenoid from above up by the valve cover. Then connects the switch above to that. No crawling under the car!
Last edited by leigh1322; Nov 22, 2019 at 08:17 PM.
IF you car is an automatic, go under the dash to the clutch safety switch. Connect a 10ga wire from there to out under the hood. When you connect your remote switch to that and a 12v source you're done. If it's a manual trans car, that same wire is in the harness under the console. 10 ga, Purple with a white stripe.
IF you car is an automatic, go under the dash to the clutch safety switch. Connect a 10ga wire from there to out under the hood. When you connect your remote switch to that and a 12v source you're done. If it's a manual trans car, that same wire is in the harness under the console. 10 ga, Purple with a white stripe.
Thank you! When the time comes, I will try this... this is what I'm looking for... although it will take a very long lead off my remote starter to get to work, this would be nice to do vs. cranking it by hand.
Remote starter switch setup?
Nothing wrong with swapping plugs (might as well if I pull them, at least this time, since it will be my first to check them) while I'm working under the hood anyway doing maintenance. Thanks for the advice.
