Still can't seem to get my vette to start. When I turn the key to start the starter turns the engine slightly (based on the sound and seeing the fan move), but then it just stops. All of the lights dim until I move the key back to run. Here's what I've done:

1) Traced the ignition wire from the ignition switch, through the clutch safety switch, and down to the starter. I get approx. 12V at the S terminal on the solenoid when I move the key to start.

2) Removed and bench tested the starter and solenoid. Tests fine.

3) Reinstalled starter and verified all connections, including the grounds.

4) Inspected battery cables and they looked fine.

5) Moved key to run and used a long screwdriver to jump the battery and S terminals on the starter solenoid. Same result.

6) It's a new battery but also tried a known working battery from my '73 Blazer. No luck.

Any ideas? I think either I'm not able to get enough current to the starter to turn the flywheel or the starter is just toast. It's odd that it bench tests ok but I'm wondering if that's just because it's spinning freely with no load on it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. It's killing me that it's been 70 degrees here and I haven't been able to start the car :banghead: :banghead:

Ron

 

Bad starter.

 

Sounds like either badly worn starter motor bushings or badly burned/corroded internal electrical contacts in the solenoid. If the starter motor is still good, the bushings can be easily replaced and the solenoid power terminals can both be removed and rotated 180 degrees to provide a fresh contact surface.


[Modified by RestoVette, 4:08 AM 3/4/2004]

 

Yah, but read step 5, he bypassed the solenoid with the same result. I'm guessing his starter motor is due for a rebuild.

 

the starter motor is worned out i think
it just dont have the strenght to rew the engine

 

Ron - Pull out all of the spark plugs then try to crank it. It sounds like hydrolock. This happen to me once after my car was parked on a slight grade for a few weeks. Fuel flowed past my electric pump & filled all of the cylinders.
No damage occured, thank :blueangel:

Now, anytime I pull my car out of storage, I always pull the plugs and turn it over to clear out the cylinders.


[Modified by 71coupe, 3:54 AM 3/5/2004]

 

Thanks for all of your replies. :cheers:

Put the new starter in tonight and still have the same problem. I'm afraid 71Coupe may be right about the hydrolock :cry

I have never heard of this happening with fuel so I never even considered it may be the problem. So I assume that removing the plugs allows the pistons to push the fuel out of the cylinder?

I guess I'll try that tomorrow. Those plugs do not look like they are going to be easy to get out!!!

 

Might not be fule, could be water like in my case. Had head gasket leak that filled the cylinder when the motor shut down. When I pulled the plug for that cyclinder, water just flowed out. Strange thing is that the same exact thing happend to a friend of mine had on his 69 350/350 4spd vert. Same exact cylinder! #6!

:eek:

 

Took all of the plugs off and the engine turns over without a problem. A couple of the plugs definitely smelled like gas when I took them off. I'm off to the auto parts store to pick up some new plugs.

Anything else I should look out for? Can I safely assume that I haven't bent anything?

Thanks for all of your help!

Ron

 

OK, this is driving me nuts!!!!

I put the new plugs in after turning the engine over a couple of times with all the plugs removed and still have the same problem.

What else can I do without getting inside the engine??

 

Try turning the engine over by hand with the spark plugs out and both valve covers off. It might take a little effort-you should be able to tug on the alt belt or you may be able to get a socket on the crank nut. When you turn it over, make sure the rockers have some movement on both sides. If all is well, you can rule out an internal failure.
I would say it's probably a bad ground. Run a new grond strap to the frame & to a clean portion of the block. Then, double check the gnd connection that goes from the batt to the frame.

If you do that and you are still having problems then it's the batt pos cable that goes to the starter.

Good luck :cheers:

 

Is it possible that it jumped time. In a certain position of timing it can cause your engine to turn over very hard. If not then I think it is a bad starter :cheers:

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try to get the valve covers off tonight.

I had checked all of the grounds previously, but I'll double check them to be sure.

I appreciate all of the help!