1978 Corvette Starting Problem

[Chip Dufala]

Hello everyone. I have probably a basic question for all of you but I figured you would be able to help. I am a novice mechanic, but a Corvette enthusiast. Here is my problem. Yesterday, I uncovered my Corvette and it started right up. I let it run for about 20 minutes and then turned it off. I went out to take it for a ride today (68 degrees in Chicago) and it would not start. When I turn the key, all of the dash lights come on but I hear no noise from the starter. It is dead from a starting standpoint, the radio plays, thw windows go up and down. The charge on the battery is fine as well as the cables are tight. My car only has 18,000 miles on it. I knocked on the starter to no avail. I looked in my shop manual and it says that if the starter won't crank then it is most likely the starter. I plan to pick one up on Monday, but I was wondering if anyone else thought it could be something different. Thanks!

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Starting Problem

Chip,

Be sure to check and re-check every connection for cleanliness and hidden corrosion. This would especially include those at the battery and starter, but also the ground wire from the engine to the frame located on the right hand side of the engine just ahead of the starter. I know this one personally.

If your car really has only 18,000 miles, seriously consider a) having your own starter rebuilt, or b) don't turn in yours as a core. I don't think I turn in anything on my car as a core. Ever.

About 8 times out of 10 when I've had a starting problem, it's been the battery. But that's just me.

Patrick

[Jim T.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Starting Problem

Check the battery voltage, after running it like you did it should register above 12 volts, perhaps like 12.6-12.9. With this check out of the way make sure your nuetral saftey switch is not preventing the starter to operate. You said you banged on the starter. Do you know how to short accross the battery terminal on the solenoid and the other terminal to make the starter work? I would think your cars starter does not have miles on it to require new brushes in the starter, but easy enough to check if you have to remove the starter. The earlier solenoids could have the terminal that the battery cable connects to turned 180 degrees to give a new contact area made usable. The solenoid only uses half of the contact area inside the solenoid, so turning it 180 degrees positions the new unused contact area. Good luck.

[Jack Layton]

Re: 1978 Corvette Starting Problem

A couple of points here in addition to those set forth by others. The spring in the solenoid
can offer too much physical resistance . There is a "weaker" spring available to remedy this problem. I have had to use this option in several 1977-78 Corvettes.
Rebuilt starters. Do not take it to the local auto exchange shop. Do look in the phone book and find the name of a rebuilder who rebuilds starters, alternators and other electrical components for the local construction industry. These fellows have all the books, parts, machinery and talent to give your starter a total electrical health check up and reconstruction that will far surpass the "rebuilt" unit that the auto parts store is selling. And the price is likely to be the same or better. Just be sure to tell them that you
do not want any extra I.D. markings visible on the outside of the case.

[Chip Dufala]

Re: 1978 Corvette Starting Problem

Thanks everyone for your help. It was a bad neutral safety switch that was causing the problem. I replaced it and the car started right up. Thanks again!