I've owned a 67 Corvette #'s matching 327/350 for the past 8 years. Since day one,it's been a slow starter. Whether cold or hot, it takes time to start. I've gotten used to it, but occassionally look for the problem. Recently I did some testing and discovered that when I hold the trigger on the timing light and turn the key to start, it takes 4-5 sec. of cranking before it starts to flash and then it starts. I checked voltage (12V) throughout the starting circuit with normal readings. All connections are tight. I placed a jumper lead between the battery + and the coil +, turned the key to start and it immediately started. I repeated the test several times and it started on the first crank. There is a drop in voltage or a loss of voltage somewhere I haven't found. I replaced the starter solenoid recently, but with no change. Also the ballast resistor. About 4 years ago, I installed a Petronix Igniter, Flame Thrower coil and new plug wires. It improved idle and performance, but obviously not starting. I'm glad I found the problem, but now need a solution. Thanks, Jack
-
-
Re: 67 electrical problem
If it started immediately with a jumper from the battery to the coil then I would search in the wiring for the starting circuit. On the coil there should be 2 pink leads connected to the positive terminal. One pink #12 gauge will go to one end of the ballast resistor. The other pink #18 gauge will go to a terminal on the starter solenoid marked "R". You are probably missing the #18 wire or it is broken or not connected. Check the continuity of that wire.
The circuit operates as follows:
During a "start" condition the solenoid is energized and a full 12v is applied to the coil via the #18 pink lead. After the key is released to the "run" position the solenoid deenergizes and a reduced voltage (about 8vdc) is applied to the coil via the #12 gauge wire from the ballast resistor.
Your symptoms indicate that the 12v source never gets applied during the "start" phase. -
Re: 67 electrical problem
I installed a Pertronix unit in a 66 a year ago. It would never start right up-always a delay unless I ran 12 volts to the coil. I went crazy with this problem and fimally resigned myself to living with it. I recently went on the Pertronix website and discovered that there on two units to fit our cars and one of the units has a THREE SECOND DELAY after you turn the key on. I went to the car, turned the key on, counted to 3 and it started right up!
Ken EdmundsComment
-
Ken, what's with the 3 sec. delay ? *NM*
Comment
-
Re: Ken, what's with the 3 sec. delay ?
Assuming the ignition system is some kind of solid state circuitry there may be a delay in operation until some capacitors charge. I experience this same thing on a HONDA CB on my GOLD WING as do others with similiar bikes. When you key the CB the first time after turning it on, it needs about 2-3 seconds to transmit/receive. After that it works like a champ with immediate trans/receive, until the next time its off for awhile and then turned back on.Comment
-
Re: 67 electrical problem
Ken,
Thanks for the suggestion, It worked. JackComment
Comment