C-3 Ignition coil question

[D S.]

If an ignition coil is malfunctioning or not working at all how does that affect the starter when trying to start the car? Any noises I should expect to hear when trying to start the car?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Michael G.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

The ignition coil should have no effect on the starter's ability to crank the motor.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

If an ignition coil is malfunctioning or not working at all how does that affect the starter when trying to start the car? Any noises I should expect to hear when trying to start the car?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

Scott-----


It doesn't affect starter operation, at all. However, if the coil is bad the car will, obviously, not start no matter how much it's cranked.

[D S.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Hmm....I wonder if I have it bound up against the flywheel? It's a freshly rebuilt and tested starter. The wires are connected properly because I photoed them before I removed the starter to have it rebuilt. When I turn the ignition key to 'Start' I hear a short clicking noise and a hum. Subsequent starting attempts only produces a short hum. I have the battery on a trickle type charger and when I turn the key to 'Start' the needle on the charger drops significantly to discharge status. Battery?

[Steven G.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Scott, use a volt meter on battery, fully charged battery hold 12-12.5 volts, watch meter when starting and see how low voltage drops, or try a loaner battery. Sometimes repo/rebuilt starters need to be shimmed for proper drive gear engage/disengagement clearance. BAttery cables should not get hot under normal starting conditions, if so check for proper connections and/or excessive starter amperage draw. Steve

[Steven G.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Scott, When I have bad/unknown starter issues, I disconnect battery and all wiring from car then hook up another (+) wire to battery and (-) ground wire to starter or engine block with a battery (on floor) then use a smaller size wire to touch (or push switch) and make (+) contact to inside solenoid terminal, this will make starter operational, then shimming or starter removal is much easier until problem has been corrected and you do not have to keep getting in the car to activate starter like a remote starting system for testing only. Steve

[D S.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Thanks, Steve. The rebuilt starter is correct for the car (1108429 for '70 LS-5 auto) so I'm curious as to whether I need shims or not. I don't think I could have gotten it bolted in if it didn't align but it does sound like it might be in a bind when I hear those short clicks and hum when I try to crank it. I think those remote starters are sold in auto parts stores.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Thanks, Steve. The rebuilt starter is correct for the car (1108429 for '70 LS-5 auto) so I'm curious as to whether I need shims or not. I don't think I could have gotten it bolted in if it didn't align but it does sound like it might be in a bind when I hear those short clicks and hum when I try to crank it. I think those remote starters are sold in auto parts stores.

Scott,

Something you can try that will tell you if it is binding, loosen the two vertical bolts a bit, enough to be able to rock the starter by hand, then crank it and see if it turns. Hope it helps.

Ken

[D S.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Thanks, Ken. I'm gathering all input I can before embarking on getting back to the job. The more input the better chances I have to get the starter going.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Thanks, Ken. I'm gathering all input I can before embarking on getting back to the job. The more input the better chances I have to get the starter going.

Scott,

I should have asked if you tried to run it on the bench before you installed it. If it worked with no binding you may have an alignment problem or distored nose?

[Richard T.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Scott like Michael says no effect; your motor will just turn but will not run. The hum you hear is the starter trying to turn the fly wheel. Do everything the other guys said and if no success pull the starter out and bench test it for proper operation. When installing a starter make sure the drive gear does not bind up with the fly wheel. Usually the starter will not bolt up to the bell housing if the starter is jammed or frozen.

[D S.]

Re: C-3 Ignition coil question

Thanks, Richard. I agree that the starter shouldn't be able to be bolted in if it isn't aligned and it appears straight and true. When the starter was rebuilt two weeks ago it was bench tested and it worked. I have another 1108429 I recently bought as an extra that I'm going to install and see if it works. Such fun I'm having but thank goodness I have y'all on the TDB to assist. Otherwise I'd really be frustrated.