70 Starting problem

[Jim K.]

Hi All:
I went and bought me a "new" car, a 70 350/350 4spd. I just got it Monday and just registered it yesterday but have started it about a dozzen times and drove it to work today and made it home just fine. Got back in to take the bride for a ride and i couldn't get it to crank, like a neutral switch thing (or foot not on the clutch thing). I rolled it backwards out the garage and started it by dumping the clutch (in reverse) and it started and ran fine. Whil on the short ride I pushed in the clutch and turned off the key (yes all the way to the locked position, damn, these new cars!); I tried to key start it again and nothing, no mater which gear, clutch in, or neutral cluthc in and out, but nothing. it was rolling at 30mph, so into 3rd and dump the clutch and it was fine. I got home and stopped in the garage, and still no key start. I tried to tap the starter I tried to let it cool down, checked connections, got head lights etc... Where do I find the "neutral" or clutch safety switch before I start getting into the elaborate battery and starter tests? I'm used to the 61' and this new car has sooooo many wires NOT connected just about everywhere, I may have to rewire before too long. Any thoughts???
Thanks!!!
Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 Starting problem

Jim-----

The neutral start safety switch for manual trans cars is up under the dash. The easiest way to find it is to look for the thin rod attached to the clutch pedal shaft and follow it back a few inches to the switch. Simply remove the connector from the switch and jumper the terminals in the connector. If the car starts then, you know it's the switch that's bad. If it doesn't make any difference, then you know it's something else.

The switch was GM-discontinued a long time ago. However, a reproduction made from the original tooling is now on the market.

[Jim T.]

Re: 70 Starting problem

May not be the problem, but something else to check. If you do nothing and try to start it in the morning and it starts right up, you could have the problem some owners have encountered. The solenoid could suffer from heat and not function. Check just in front of the starter and see if the heat shield is in place, the heat from the exhaust is buffered by this shield. Another thing to check is that your starter brushes are not worn out, it happens, and it happened to me on my 70, one day it would and then it would not start, first thought it was the solenoid. Installed a new solenoid in a parking lot, still no start. Took the starter off and found the starter brush problem. Easy fix.

[Phil P.]

Re: 70 Starting problem

we all keep our cars clean etc including the battery terminals---our toys set for ????? weeks --days--months---who knows---while the battery terminals look awsome they will have corrision where they clamp to the battery---first and foremost remove the battery cabels and clean them before you do any trouble shooting

[John H.]

Re: 70 Starting problem

Jim -

The photo below shows the clutch safety switch on a '69 Camaro, but your Corvette will have the same arrangement; if it has failed, just jumper the two terminals in the harness where the switch leads plug into the harness.

[Jim K.]

Re: 70 Starting problem

Thanks Joe, Jim Phil and John!
I came home last night and checked my posts, then went right out and found the swithc with the plug just ready to fall off... pushed it on and off a few times and just as I thought... she started!!! Thanks for the help boys!!!
Jim