Starting Problem

[Floyd B.]

We've been dealing with an electrical problem on my son's '73. It was causing the battery to die rather often. We eventually decided it was the starter and replaced it. This helped, but now every so often it doesn't want to start but I have noticed that oft times if hold the key in the start position for about 10 to 30 seconds the starter will turn over and start the car. While holding the key during that 10 to 30 seconds, there is silence - i.e. the starter doesn't seem to be doing anything.

This would seem to be that there is resistance in the system somewhere. Any ideas?

[Mark S.]

Re: Starting Problem

1st. Ground strap. Starter/block to frame. Must be there and also not all corroded up like most.
2nd. Starter switch. This switch located on top of steering column above the pedals. Simply said they wear out.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Starting Problem

Thanx Mark. Based on the fact that we recently replaced the starter and cleaned up all that battery contacts, replaced the ground strap, etc. combined with the other symptoms we have experienced with this car, your suggestion that the starter switch is a problem seems very likely.

I have attached three pictures of '73 starter switches available. Which of these looks most correct? I don't have access to the car right now.

Thanx again for the help.

-Floyd-

[Paul J.]

Re: Starting Problem

If you have'nt changed the battery, borrow a known good one and try it. It takes amps to turn that flywheel.

Paul

[Michael W.]

Re: Starting Problem

I'd do a little troubleshooting prior to swapping out parts. The starter solenoid needs a 12V signal from the ignition switch. Next time the car is dead, put a test light or VOM from ground to the S terminal and work your way upstream to see where the open circuit is.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Starting Problem

I'd do a little troubleshooting prior to swapping out parts. The starter solenoid needs a 12V signal from the ignition switch. Next time the car is dead, put a test light or VOM from ground to the S terminal and work your way upstream to see where the open circuit is.

Thanx. We will do that first.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Starting Problem

Floyd,

Do your wipers work?


Sounds like an off topic question, but if you
changed the starter and put the ground for the
wiper on the solenoid instead of on the starter
mounting bolt you will drain the battery and
wonder what is going wrong.

Ken

[Floyd B.]

Re: Starting Problem

Interesting. We will double check. Thanks for the tip.