1989 Vette 230K miles daily driver starting problem
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 9
From: SC
1989 Vette 230K miles daily driver starting problem
Was starting perfectly, cold. After reaching operating temp, would not start. Tried starting fluid, with no effect. Timing light on no. one, showed no spark. Installed new coil, ignition module and rotor, Won't start hot or cold, now.
Am not getting 12V on red wire to coil, with key in off or run position. Haven't tried a direct wore from battery to coil red wire. What could deny battery voltage to the coil?
Am not getting 12V on red wire to coil, with key in off or run position. Haven't tried a direct wore from battery to coil red wire. What could deny battery voltage to the coil?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 496
From: NJ
He's not getting 12V to the coil. 12V power comes from the Ignition Sw. No need to measure resistance at the pick-up coil. Confirm 12V present at the Ign. Sw. in the run and start positions. Trace Positive wire feeding coil back to the Ign Sw. and confirm continuity between the two. (coil and Ign.Sw.) That should get you started. No pun intended...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,290
Likes: 238
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
He's not getting 12V to the coil. 12V power comes from the Ignition Sw. No need to measure resistance at the pick-up coil. Confirm 12V present at the Ign. Sw. in the run and start positions. Trace Positive wire feeding coil back to the Ign Sw. and confirm continuity between the two. (coil and Ign.Sw.) That should get you started. No pun intended...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,127
Likes: 1,357
From: Mid-Atlantic
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
I dunno but 230k is darned commendable. Give that car a pat on the hood...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 496
From: NJ
Is the starter oily looking? If it is, try hitting the starter at the opposite end of the flywheel, with a hammer, lightly you don't want to dent it. This will jar the brushes of the starter and possibly restore the electrical path thru the armature. If this works, you are on borrowed time. Replace the starter now. Also check your battery connections and confirm 12V at starter solenoid when cranking, or in your case trying to crank. This is the purple(?), 10 or 12 AWG wire connected to the smaller (not the big 3/8" terminal) solenoid terminals . Report findings. Good Luck!
