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1968 suddenly wont start

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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 02:22 PM
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Default 1968 suddenly wont start

I have a fully restored numbers match 1968 427 convert that decided not to start today


car turns over , but i noticed that the brake reminder light doesn't come on now when moving key to ignition start position.
car wants to start but clearly an electrical matter.
the fuses appear fine

Suggestions?

Thanks
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 03:22 PM
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Do you have spark out of the coil when cranking?
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 03:25 PM
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Check if there’s a stream of fuel when you work the throttle linkage. Check to see if you have spark. Those are the two basic things to look at. Beyond that, unknown since you didn’t provide much info. Does your car still have points or is it converted to HEI? More things to check if that’s the case.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Mrvettenick
Do you have spark out of the coil when cranking?
No spark from coil.
fuel being delivered.

Hmmmm
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 06:07 PM
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Get out your multimeter and check for 12 volts at the coil. Check the fusible links at the starter too. Let us know what you find.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 1968Corvette1968
No spark from coil.
fuel being delivered.

Hmmmm
How old are those points? Do you have a dwell meter? What you can do is disconnect the lead on the coil (negative)( going to the distributor. Then connect a jumper to the negative terminal. With the key in the run position, tap that lead to ground, if you now get spark, points/condenser should be replaced. If no spark, then we'll check coil resistance. Primary should be about 1.5 ohms, secondary about 9000 ohms.

Last edited by Mrvettenick; Jun 18, 2021 at 06:51 PM.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 06:33 PM
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Fuel and no spark!
How long has it been since you last started it?
Have you done any work to it since you last ran the engine?
Points and or condenser changed?
If you have 12 volts at the coil with the key on, but no spark, my bet would be the coil went out.
$15.00 coil should get you on the road.

Last edited by OldCarBum; Jun 18, 2021 at 06:39 PM.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 07:01 PM
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Drove it yesterday with no problems or symptoms.

Parked it for one day. battery new and strong. going to check for power to coil.Replacing all fuses with new to eliminate obvious first, then start metering.
I know something is wrong because with 68 the e brake reminder comes on when in the ready position( just before crank position ), and now it isn't.

I really appreciate the help Fellas !!!

Last edited by 1968Corvette1968; Jun 18, 2021 at 07:02 PM.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 07:02 PM
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If you have less than 12 volts at the coil, then I would check the battery to ground cable.
Even if the connections are tight, the cable could be corroded under the insulation and not be providing a good ground.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by OldCarBum
If you have less than 12 volts at the coil, then I would check the battery to ground cable.
Even if the connections are tight, the cable could be corroded under the insulation and not be providing a good ground.
good ground. Courtesy lights are on engine turns

is there a fuse or a linkable fuse that runs from the ignition to the coil as I’m getting no power to the coil
And again to state the obvious normally when the car goes to the pre crank stage the brake lamp that is located on the RPM dial lights up. And that is not occurring.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 08:38 PM
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There should be a fusible link between the coil and the bulkhead connector on the firewall. The yellow wire is a 12 volt by pass that goes to the R terminal on the starter..
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 09:02 PM
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Throwing this out there as a last resort.....
my 68 had 13V going into the Ign FUSE and 13V exiting the Ign Fuse....
but only 3-4V going to the coil +......
the terminals on the Back of the Fuse Block were covered in green corrosion.
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Old Jun 18, 2021 | 10:30 PM
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First throw a couple of teaspoons of gas in the carburetor and crank it. If it doesn’t pop you know it’s spark not fuel.
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 02:34 AM
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Originally Posted by derekderek
First throw a couple of teaspoons of gas in the carburetor and crank it. If it doesn’t pop you know it’s spark not fuel.
thanks
yup it has lots of fuel

what is the recommended order to test the electrical
For start up ?

checklist ?

TY
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 05:21 AM
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Run a 12V jumper wire from the Alternator to the 12V side of the coil, does it start and run?
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 09:14 AM
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attach a voltage meter to the coil and see if you have power in the key on position, then turn it to crank and see if you have power wwhile its cranking. Most likely you lost the power during cranking and the fusible link at the starter solenoid burned out or its a fuse if Bubba hasnt gotten to your wiring. It is the yellow wire at the starter

could be wring at the ignition switch but I doubt it

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jun 19, 2021 at 09:23 AM.
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by 1968Corvette1968
thanks
yup it has lots of fuel

what is the recommended order to test the electrical
For start up ?

checklist ?

TY
Honestly, you've been given a number of viable tests to run in order to narrow down the problem, but I see no response to any of them except that you have no spark, and you have fuel.
It's going to take more than a magic wand to figure it out.

Last edited by Mrvettenick; Jun 19, 2021 at 10:22 AM.
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 10:28 AM
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if there is power with key on and not key start, check the yellow wire. trace power.
If theres power on both then its the coil or the points.....If thats all good pull a plug and see if the carb sprung a leak oner night and its flooded. maybe the float bowl stuck

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jun 19, 2021 at 10:33 AM.
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Rescue Rogers
I did just prior to your post, start there. if there is power with key on and not key start, check the yellow wire. trace power. how is that not a direction to go in? If theres power on both then its the coil or the points.....
OK! I was referring to the OP. He really has not done any testing except for visuals.
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Mrvettenick
OK! I was referring to the OP. He really has not done any testing except for visuals.
I just realized that and was editting when you posted. That was my mix up and mistake. You and I are on the same path for a resolution

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jun 19, 2021 at 10:35 AM.
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