Starting Problems
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Starting Problems
I have a 76 corvette. I have just started having problems starting it. The only way it will start right now is by using a screwdriver on the starter and having the key on the on position. When you try to turn the engine over with the key nothing happens. I checked the starter its fine. I replaced the ignition switch above the steering column. That didn't work. I bypassed the clutch switch and that didn't work. I am stumped at how to fix this problem. If you have any answers please reply. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 4
From: Medford, Or
If you have a meter, measure the resistance between the chassis and the battery ground. Bad grounds can do crazy things. Check and see if you have 12 Vdc at the positive ignition lead on the starting solenoid. While your checking this have someone turn the ignition switch to start. If you don't get 12 volts than either you have a bad fuse link, ignition switch or some other open or short in the ignition circuit. I've seen the distributor chrome noise shielding rub the insulation off the 12-ignition wire to the solenoid and causing a short, thus causing the fuse link to open. I hope this helps.
Dan
Dan
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Erie, PA, USA
For what it's worth my '75 had the same problem for the last couple of years (I actually installed a pushbutton start switch) before deciding to replace the starter. My starter had checked out okay too; but, for something like $35 for a delco-remy from autozone it was worth a try. Now it starts great using the ignition switch so it actually was the starter.
Good luck,
Russell
Good luck,
Russell
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
It's probaly the solenoid
Originally Posted by The76corvettekid
I have a 76 corvette. I have just started having problems starting it. The only way it will start right now is by using a screwdriver on the starter and having the key on the on position. When you try to turn the engine over with the key nothing happens. I checked the starter its fine. I replaced the ignition switch above the steering column. That didn't work. I bypassed the clutch switch and that didn't work. I am stumped at how to fix this problem. If you have any answers please reply. Thanks
1- mark each wire and terminal before you remove them from solenoid so you will know where to replace them.
2- remove that solenoid cover that contains the terminals you just marked (2 screws).
3- remove the spring and contactor disk - should just fall out.
4- clean or just flip copper disk over and clean the contact terminals inside cap/cover (sandpaper, alcohol, etc)
5- reassemble as marked
6- post yer results and let us know if advice was any good
Happy hunting. cardo0
