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I have replaced 3 batteries on my 81 in the last 8 months. The culprit was a bad alternator. After I installed the new alternator and new battery, the starter will NOT engage. When I turn the key nothing happens. No chattering noise like a bad cable or low battery would make...nothing! I did not touch any wiring nor did I replace anything except the battery and alternator. What could I have inadvertently done? My best guess is to check the fuse able links. Any ideas?
FIRST a question: Did the car ever start with the new battery?
ASSUMING you installed the alternator correctly (I suggest you post pics of your alternator just so folks can do quick eyeballing), then I would perform the following:
1. Disconnect the batter and ensure your terminal connections are nice an clean.
2. IF the connections are clean, then take the battery out and go get it LOAD TESTED at your local store.
-If it tests sat, then go back home and reinstall while ensuring that your connections are nice and tight.
-if it tests UNSAT, then take it back to where you got it and get it replaced (assuming you go it recently it shouldn't cost much and probably free).
3. Let us know the results.
Originally Posted by visionary
I have replaced 3 batteries on my 81 in the last 8 months. The culprit was a bad alternator. After I installed the new alternator and new battery, the starter will NOT engage. When I turn the key nothing happens. No chattering noise like a bad cable or low battery would make...nothing! I did not touch any wiring nor did I replace anything except the battery and alternator. What could I have inadvertently done? My best guess is to check the fuse able links. Any ideas?
The battery is hardwired to the starter. The only other wire is the pink wire going from the ignition switch to the S terminal on the starter solenoid. When you turn the key to the ON position, does anything work? Does the dome light work? Headlights? Are the battery cables on correctly? Just a start.
The battery is hardwired to the starter. The only other wire is the pink wire going from the ignition switch to the S terminal on the starter solenoid. When you turn the key to the ON position, does anything work? Does the dome light work? Headlights? Are the battery cables on correctly? Just a start.
Thanks for the reply...Yes everything works except the starter. The battery connections were cleaned before re-assembly. I have done dozens of alternator r/r and never had any issue like this. In my mind, they are not related since nothing was touched except the alternator and I did replace the battery. I try to be very thorough when I do work on my Corvette's. This is my 4th C3 so I'm not unfamiliar with these cars.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I would guess a wire is corroded or broken at the starter, a fusible link has burnt or the connections at the horn relay are loose, which is like a bus bar for the power to everything, depending on the year
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jun 12, 2021 at 01:55 PM.
Too hot today here in Central Illinois to crawl under the car, but I think somehow a fusable link fried. I'll check the one at the starter and see. Thanks for your reply. The folks here on the forum are just so nice and knowledgeable.
I have an 81 also battery should not go bad went threw 2 altenators they were rebuilts from oriellys . ended up getting a new one from NAPA, next thing all grounds must be clean, all wires from the starter and ignation must be checked, you have to have a hoist to do this
In my 80, both fusable links on this harness had cooked off their insulation, but were still (barely) working. I hadn't noticed until I removed the exhaust manifold.
There are also interlocks that prevent starting. Did you dislodge any of them? I've never owned a used manual car where the clutch safety switch had not already been bypassed, for example.
Last edited by Bikespace; Jun 13, 2021 at 08:27 AM.
The clutch switch still works fine on my 77. however once the plastic connector at the Firewall just passenger side of the distributor let go. causing a no start condition.
Electrical Issues...HELP!
