Can my '62 really hate me?
This car is giving me a test. After the many problems like bad heater valve, oil leak (still trying to find the cause) speedo not working (because I now find I need to get a different gear on the trans.), tach running at 1/2 speed, if you need more, I got them. Now the darn car decided to hurt me again. We went to start the car the other day trying to track down this oil leak. I am watching the guages, and the battery guage is showing a little discharge. I bring the revs up a little to see if it would bring the guage into the charge range. All of a sudden a light puff of smoke and the starter is trying to engage while the engine is running. I of course feel under the ignition switch, where the source of the smoke appeared as I turn of the key and scramble for the battery. I can see no damage. With a helper, I have them attach the battery and then turn the key to "on" not "start" position, but the engine is turning and trying to run. Immediately disconect the battery and determine that the ignition switch failed. So,I get a new switch installed today. Car starts fine, sound good, but the battery guage is now showing discharge again. A test light on the gen. shows that it is charging. But it is not charging the battery. Did the bad ignition switch fry the regulator? Could that have happened? I see NO damage anywhere at all. All was working well, the day before the ignition switch apparently failed. It showed charging when it needed to. This car hates me.......
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
David, try repolarizing the voltage regulator. Pull the cover off and see if any of the points are burned or stuck. Run a thin point file through them with the battery disconnected. You think you have it bad. My '57 doesn't want to come out of retirement after 35 years. It's not going back together easily. Fighting all the way. Fix one thing and two others go kaput. Ah, life is full of challenging Corvettes. Good luck, Gary....
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
Ah, the thrill of Corvette ownership.
Try to Have a Nice Day!Comment
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
Gary, I am sorry I am not alone. This car was asleep since '92 and I think it wants me to put it down like a horse. You are right, one step forward and lucky if it isn't another step back.Comment
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
Dave, I feel your pain. My '62 was doing it's damnedest to keep me from getting it back together on time for the Michigan regional. Put the sledge down, step away from the car, try again tomorrow after a good night's sleep.
PaulComment
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
Dave, I believe the "Maximum Overdrive" effect is taking place. My C3 is on it's 4th directional signal switch replacement for various reasons. I hid the gun.Jack Corso
1972 Elkhart Green LT-1 Coupe 43,200 miles
Top Flight 1994, 2018 & 2021Comment
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
Wow, reminds me of when the solenoid on my 70 F100 pickup welded closed after a hot start!
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Hmmm, just a test light on the generator may not be enough to prove it's ok. It really needs to be checked under load with volt/amp meters.
I think Gary's got it on the button(no pun intended). Reg (or Gen) polarity may be confused due to removing battery with engine running. Hopefully nothing fried inside either.
RichComment
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
Ha...Cheer-up guys, the C1 solid axle cars are the simplest and easiest to work on of all the Vettes. One thing you must always remember is that their electrical system was unprotected with fusible-links etc. Best to add a 16 gage fusible-link where the 12 gage black wire connects to the starter solenoid...it is will worth any judges gigs....Comment
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
I can't beleive my luck, having such a simple car to work on. Good idea on the fuse. I will be adding a few others as well. Like to the clock.
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
Unfortunately, these old cars weren't that relable when they were new.
One of the joys of ownership for me is the ability to create reasons to work on them. Sometimes they help you out a little.
Like Bill Elliot said when he was presented with a reclining chair from one of his sponsors for wining the Winston Cup NASCAR Championship several years ago..."Nice chair, but I'm not much of a sitter."
RGComment
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Re: Can my '62 really hate me?
I have your answer and I'll even pay the shipping charge,then your worries are over and I have a nice 62 Corvette.
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