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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 01:56 PM
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Default Starting/Firing Question

I have a 72 SB Auto, cold or hot engine, as I turn the key to the crank position it cranks just fine, after about two seconds I let the key go to the run position and that's when it starts, fires up as I let go of the key, I have 12V at the coil when cranking, which it should have, anybody out there understand this issue, and what is going on as to why? Thanks, Jim
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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by JIMWALLACE
I have a 72 SB Auto, cold or hot engine, as I turn the key to the crank position it cranks just fine, after about two seconds I let the key go to the run position and that's when it starts, fires up as I let go of the key, I have 12V at the coil when cranking, which it should have, anybody out there understand this issue, and what is going on as to why? Thanks, Jim
I assume you have the original points distributor with a double wire on the positive terminal of the coil?
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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 05:27 PM
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It sounds like your car is starting, after cranking for only 2 seconds no less.
Problem???
So, if you continue to hold the key in the start position, are you saying it doesn't then start? Or takes longer than 2 seconds? Or what exactly?
Have I heard of starters pulling so much power that not enough is left for the ignition? I've heard of it. Don't think I've ever documented it however.
I would be checking all connections. And not just for tight screws and nuts. But proper crimps. Corrosion inside wiring, etc. Common to see wiring go green under the insulation on old cars. this creates these types of Voltage drop problems.
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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 05:53 PM
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Default Starting/Firing

If you crank it longer it still does not fire until I let go of the key, all of the wiring looks good, car has 56K miles Thanks, Jim
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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 05:59 PM
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Default Starting/Firing

Monday morning I will check the spark itself, see if it is firing during crank, or as I let go of the key. Thanks, Jim
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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 06:31 PM
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Jim Wallace,

By chance did you recently swap-out the starter or solenoid?

I have seen this weird scenario before. Wish I could remember the fix.
Just a guess. One small wire to the solenoid small post is at the incorrect position / location?
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Old Sep 22, 2024 | 11:35 AM
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The wiring is correct, small wire to the R terminal on the solenoid, not changed either starter or solenoid, Thanks, Jim
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Old Sep 22, 2024 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by JIMWALLACE
The wiring is correct, small wire to the R terminal on the solenoid, not changed either starter or solenoid, Thanks, Jim
You should have two wires, one to R and one to S
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Old Sep 22, 2024 | 04:42 PM
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Yes. both wires are correctly connected to the R & S terminals. Thanks, Jim
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Old Sep 22, 2024 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by JIMWALLACE
Yes. both wires are correctly connected to the R & S terminals. Thanks, Jim
Is this a new problem?
On a cold start, are you completely pressing the gas pedal to the floor two to three times, taking your foot off the pedal and than turning the key?
On a warm start are you pressing on the pedal about a quarter of the way and then starting?
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Old Sep 22, 2024 | 10:27 PM
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Yes, to all of your starting comments, as to new issue, yes it is. Thanks, Jim
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Old Sep 23, 2024 | 12:01 PM
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Default Starting/Firing Issue

This morning checking spark at the spark plugs, as what I suspected, no spark at the spark plugs, in the crank mode until I let go of the key. Replaced the distributor with another one I had, car now starts as it should, so some issue with the original distributor. I will get to the bottom of it!!!! Thanks to all who commented. Jim
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Old Sep 23, 2024 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by JIMWALLACE
This morning checking spark at the spark plugs, as what I suspected, no spark at the spark plugs, in the crank mode until I let go of the key. Replaced the distributor with another one I had, car now starts as it should, so some issue with the original distributor. I will get to the bottom of it!!!! Thanks to all who commented. Jim
Are both distributors points style?
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Old Sep 23, 2024 | 04:05 PM
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glad you figured it out.
very curious since ign run and starter crank wires hook to the same place.
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