C-3 LT-1 Starting Issues

[Jeremy D.]

Just the other day, after driving my '70 all summer, the car is now starting quite strange. The car fires right up only after you crank it for about 5 seconds, and completely let go of the key. The car will not fire at all if you wait for the engine to catch before releasing the key from "Start" to "Run". You gotta kinda turn the engine over, count to five, and just let the key go to "Run", and it usually starts up, no problem. Common sense tells me to check the ignition key cylinder, but I thought I remember reading something about faulty condensers having symptoms like this. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!!

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 LT-1 Starting Issues

Jeremy, it sounds like your ignition switch is not making up the ignition circuit during cranking...the ignition circuit is apparently not hot until you allow the key to begin returning.

Remember that the ignition switch on C3s is NOT at the lock cylinder. The switch is actually located down on the column and is connected to the key cylinder by an actuating rod. I would check it to see if mechanical misadjustment is possible, but the odds are it's a bad switch.

It would be easy to check the possibility above...have a friend crank it while you check the voltage at the coil terminal.

[John H.]

Re: C-3 LT-1 Starting Issues

Jeremy -

Check the 20-ga. yellow wire from the "R" terminal on the starter solenoid to the (+) terminal on the coil for continuity between those two points, and check the coil (+) terminal for power while cranking the engine. That yellow wire is the power source for the coil, only during cranking; if it's open, you'll have power to the coil in the "on" ("run") key position, but none while cranking. Could also be a bad contact disc inside the solenoid, but that's a long shot.

[Jeremy D.]

Think I Found The Problem....

....and it appears to be a 34 year old ignition switch. I jiggled things around a bit,and actuated the rod, and the car started normally several times over-better than it ever has. I'm sure the lock cylinder is old and worn too.Yet even MORE to add to my "Get at Carlisle" list!! Thanks guys!!