1970 Starter Wire Connection

[James H.]

Can anyone tell me the correct way to hook up the starter wires on a 1970 LT1?

I assume that the two wires with the larger wire connector holes, both go on the larger post on the solenoid, or is the one that comes out of the taped bundle before the end of the bundle, go on the starter motor bold as a ground?

The two smaller solenoid terminals, one marked "S" and one marked "R"... what color and size are the wires that connect to each of those?

I peeled back the white woven cloth on both of the wires with the smaller hole connectors and both seem to be the same color of faded red. Of the two smaller hole terminal wires, one is definitely larger than the other, so maybe that is the key to knowing which one goes to the "S" and the "R".

Can anyone tell me which wire (size) goes to which smaller terminals on the solenoid, "S" and "R"?

Thanks

Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

Can anyone tell me the correct way to hook up the starter wires on a 1970 LT1?

I assume that the two wires with the larger wire connector holes, both go on the larger post on the solenoid?

The two smaller solenoid terminals, one marked "S" and one marked "R"... what color and size are the wires that connect to each of those?

I peeled back the white woven cloth on both of the wires with the smaller hole connectors and both seem to be the same color of faded red. Of the two smaller hole terminal wires, one is definitely larger than the other, so maybe that is the key to knowing which one goes to the "S" and the "R".

Can anyone tell me which wire (size) goes to which smaller terminals on the solenoid, "S" and "R"?

Thanks

Jim

Jim------

The purple wire goes to the "S" terminal. That is the larger gauge wire. This wire originates at the ignition switch and is what activates the solenoid.

The other wire is the smaller gauge wire and goes to the "R" terminal.

[James G.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

You should have 2 small ring wires one -12 gauge- purple and one - 20 gauge - yellow - (probably the one with the fiberglass sheath) AND a 12 guage RED with the large RING.
Small gauge small ring (YELLOW) goes to R - run
Large gauge small ring (PURPLE) goes to S - Start
Large gauge Large Ring (RED) goes to the batt cable lug - IT should have a fusible link between the starter lug and the rest of the wiring, in order to protect the circuits and car.

[James H.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

That sounds easy enough. Weird how the both seem to be faded red wires? Ii can definitely work with the size.

Any idea about the other two that have the larger holes in the connector? One is a black wire, no woven white sheath and exits the wiring bundle before the end. Maybe that goes on one of the starter bolts as a ground?. The other is red insulated, with the woven white sheath. Maybe the latter red wire is the only one that goes to the larger terminal on the solenoid?

Thanks

Jim

[James H.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

Thanks James.

I am correct in assuming that the large ring, black wire, that exists the taped harness bundle before all the others, is a ground that connects to one of the starter mounting bolts?

Also, the large cable that I assume comes from the battery, and has the mounting bracket or strap that bolts to the rear of the head, also goes to the largest terminal on the solenoid (battery cable lug)? So that Battery Cable Lug would have (2) wires going to it total?

Thanks

Jim

[James G.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

Yes the large ring - Black wire is a 14 gauge wire - and should be grounded to the engine block.

The Large ring 12 gauge Red wire should be together with the battery cable - the 12 gauge RED should also have a 14 gauge Dark Brown FUSIBLE link connected inline between it and the starter, Fusible Links are connected to the harness using a round black rubber cylinder about 1-1.25" long and maybe a 1/4" diameter. If yours is missing the brown 14gauge ones are available at Oreillys or if you prefer some OEM GM fusible link wire, it too is available in lengths or spools.

[John S.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

James, as James G states the large ring/black wire is a ground. Usually it is connected to one of the bell housing bolts on the passenger side, grounding it to the engine block.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

Does this help? It was originally posted to a thread about battery cables.

solenoid end.jpg

[James H.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

Thanks Terry

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

Thanks Terry

I am sorry it doesn't show more detail of the smaller wires you are asking about, but the heat shield blocks a better view of those connections.

[Lawrence M.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

This from a 69 small block with heat shield removed.

DSCN6212.jpg

[James H.]

Re: 1970 Starter Wire Connection

I got what I needed....

Thanks to all...