Nothing happens when I go to start my 1970 corvette

[Wayne M.]

When I go to start my 70 corvette (m/t with clutch pedal switch by-passed) the only thing that happens is the ammeter goes to -40+ amps. This to me indicates a "dead short" somewhere in the starting circuit. I have replaced the battery, starter & solenoid and the problem is still there. When I have the ignition switch in the run position, I have 12v at the ignition coil, starting motor solenoid "R" & battery terminals. When I put the ignition switch into the start position absolutely nothing happens (no sounds etc.) except that the dashboard ammeter goes to -40+ amps. Does this indicate that I have a defective ignition switch? If not, what else could be my problem??.

[Edward J.]

Re: Nothing happens when I go to start my 1970 corvette

Wayne, What will happen if you just try to manual jump the S wire (Purple in color I believe) on solenoid to the Positive battery cable on starter, will the starter work? just leave the key in Off position when trying this. The terminal S is the power source to activate the solenoid to engage starter. this test will determine if the starter its self is okay. One thing I have seen also is the wiring at the clutch switch will sometimes break away from the constant tittering when pushing the clutch down, A close look at the wires in that area will show if there is a problem.