C2 L79 No Sputtering - Just Dies

[Jack H.]

Re: Addendum:

Capacitor on coil bracket is only there to 'hush up' radio interference; a cosmetic electrical component. NOW, if the capacitor is missing, but it's lead wire is 'dangling' from the + terminal of the coil, that could well be your problem!

[Mark P.]

Re: Addendum:

Capacitor is gone, so is the wire, the screw, everything. Still on the hunt for the issue.

[ronnie robertson # 36786]

4 Speed or Automatic? *NM*

[Mark P.]

Re: 4 Speed or Automatic?

4 Speed. Sometimes it happens cold, sometimes not at all. I'm now thinking it points toward the ignition switch.

[John O.]

Re: 4 Speed or Automatic?

This might sound stupid.But I would not rule it out.Years ago I had a car that did that. It turned out to be my alternator. What was happening is the alternator stopped charging, then the battery was being drained and killed the motor.Then I tried to start it.Sometimes needing a jump.The alternator was charging again and charged the battery.But repeating at different times. I brought the alternator to get checked and it was bad. So I would check that first.Also check for loose connections from the alternator to the solenoid.

John

[Mark P.]

Re: 4 Speed or Automatic?

Alternator is good and connections are sound. Battery has never been a problem, starts first time, every time, no hesitation or extended cranking. With it dying and everything shutting down (just like the engine tured off at the key) it makes me bet on the ignition switch. I'm pulling it tomorrow to check it out. Everthing else seems to be okay. Kind of frustrating, but it's tough to find those random issues that only occur "sometimes."

Thanks for the advice. The great help I have gotten just makes me think it throug to come up with the real problem...eventually.

Mark

[John O.]

Re: 4 Speed or Automatic?

Hi Mark

If the engine starts ok then dies out at any giving time while driving, then try looking at the fuel system.Maybe the pump is going bad. Maybe there is dirt in the carburater making the float stick.Is the fuel filter clean? I don't think I would blame the ignition switch.Contact has to be made inside it to shut it off.Does it shut down when you hit bumps or anytime? I would now start with the carburater to see if you have a sticky float or blockage in the jets etc.. If the car is sitting while running, does it shut off or did you not try that.Try starting the engine and give it the gas for awhile to see if it shuts down. If it does,then I would bet on the float. Try it at different times.

Good luck...John

[John H.]

Re: 4 Speed or Automatic?

If everything shuts down instantly, the first thing I'd look at is the inboard multiple connector on the engine side of the fuse block; that's where the "big red wire" is that feeds power to the ignition switch (and everything else inside the car). If those mating terminals get corroded, resistance goes up, heat is generated, and it can deform the cavity the terminals are in, resulting in either intermittent or total power loss.

[Chuck R.]

Re: C2 L79 No Sputtering - Just Dies

Hi Mark,

I would give a hard look at all wiring from the starter all the way around to the voltage regulator side of the engine compartment looking at every wire connection.

Came up on a Gent in a 71 that had died on the way home from Carlise on the interstate no less.

The starter wiring was cobbed together and had come apart for one thing, and then there was another loose wire connection on the driver's side inner fender.

After I tightened up the connections, he hit the switch and it came to life and stayed that way all the way to his house 75 miles away. I know this because he was good enough to give me a call back.

As it was five years ago and I'm not up on 71 wiring, I can't for the life of me remember what the connection was on the inner fender other than I think that it was some sort of relay.

Any who, I'd do some major wire connection wiggling and jiggling just to rule out the obvious.

Chuck

[David N.]

Re: C2 L79 No Sputtering - Just Dies

Mark,

The first thing I would do is check to be sure there is a good ground connection where the negative battery cable "grounds" to the frame. These fine but, older Corvettes are just as susceptible to "aging" as any other automobile. I took the bolt out of the cable to frame connection. Dropped the cable down where I could work on it. I filed the two surfaces of the ground connector, filed a fresh clean spot down to bare metal on the frame , and I also cleaned up the contact surfaces of the bolt. If the bolt is fairly rusty, just replace it with a nice fresh clean plated bolt. Before reassembling all pieces, I have a CRC connector preservative that maintains good electrical connection and protects against further corrosion. Just spray all mating surfaces of the frame, negative battery to frame connector, bolt, and washer. I replaced the washer on mine with a new "star" washer to insure good electrical contact. If you inspect your ground connection, you will probably find high resistance that is non-conducting corrosion at ground to frame point.
Good Luck, and great corvetting!!
David Nims #19639

[Mark P.]

Re: C2 L79 No Sputtering - Just Dies

I replaced the wiring harness both on the engine side and to the headlights, so all my wiring under the hood is new. This didn't show up until after I had my "episode" with a wayward positive battery cable and it shorted out after melting on the exhaust manifold. I suppose it could be a problem with the wiring...nothing is perfect, even if it's new. I'll re-check.

Thanks for the input, Chuck.

[Mark P.]

Re: C2 L79 No Sputtering - Just Dies

David,

Not to sound stupid (too late!)... but where does the neg cable gound to the frame? It currently attaches directly to the bolt on the starter. Maybe that is part of the problem, but it has always been there as far as I know. Is there another ground to be looking at besides gounding straps?

Thanks for the advice.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 L79 No Sputtering - Just Dies

David,

I was wondering about that too. You are correct, the negative cable attaches to the outside starter attachment bolt, not the frame.