Can't get the 72 started!

[Patrick H.]

Hello All,

As many of you know I am in the last stages of finishing a frame-on of my Dad's 72, a base motor automatic car.

Today I tried to start it for the first time in 2 1/2 years, but NO LUCK! I have a new battery, the starter and solenoid work fine (tested out of the car today) and I have electricity to the starter and solenoid. Despite that, when I turn the key to the "Start" position, I do not get even the solenoid to click, much less the starter to turn the motor over.

There are no loose wires on the car right now that I know of, so I am at somewhat of a loss. All the fuses are intact. The neutral safety switch appears to allow current to pass through when I test it. I just get no response!

My only thought was that since I had the steering column out, the connections at the ignition switch on the top of the shaft under the dash may not be tight. I don't think that this switch went bad, as it worked before the car came apart. Also, I don't believe there are any "adjustments" to be made in this area, or that anything in the column itself would be causing this. Before I take the column down again to get at the connections, I thought I would ask for further input.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? It is otherwise ready to go!

Thanks in advance,

Patrick Hulst

[grr]

Re: Can't get the 72 started!

Patrick, I suppose you have a manual to work with. Do you have a multimeter? Use the multimeter if you have one.If so find the section for the ignition wiring page and hi-lite the lines(wires)in the circuit and then go through the circuit that everything in that columb and nutral safety switch are in line, also your grounds are in place.The diagram will lead you to the problem. Just use the lines like you would if you were reading a piping diagram, compare the current flow to that of water in a piping system. NC=normally closed,NO=normally open in refs to contactors or relays.Usually it's the last thing you took apart.You'll find it.Let us know what you find out.grr#33570

[Joe L.]

Re: Can't get the 72 started!

Patrick----

First thing, make sure that the starter/solenoid system is working. To do this, make a heavy gauge jumper wire and jump between the ignition switch termianl on the solenoid (the "S" terminal, if I recall correctly, with the PURPLE wire going to it) and the battery connection to the solenoid. MAKE SURE THAT THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL, THE REAR WHEELS OFF THE GROUND, AND THE PARKING BRAKE SET BEFORE YOU DO THIS. If the starter operates, you have confirmed that these components and connections are ok. Then, you pretty much know that your problem relates to getting current through the ignition switch to the solenoid.