Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

[Mark E.]

1970 with tilt-telescopic-

With column tilted up: No power to the starter while attempting to crank.

With column tilted most of the way down: Starter cranks normally.

What's causing this?

[Harry S.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Not being a C3 guy, I'd look for a short/ground problem

[Terry M.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

1970 with tilt-telescopic-

With column tilted up: No power to the starter while attempting to crank.

With column tilted most of the way down: Starter cranks normally.

What's causing this?

Mark,
The ignition switch is on the top of your column is near the base, by the brake/clutch pedals. It has slots to adjust its position on the column. the mounting screws have likely loosened and the switch has slid up or down the column. Re-position and tighten the mounting screws, and you will be in business.

If my words don't give you a picture of what is there, the FSM should have illustrations. Actual access, unless you are anorexic, will be difficult. It was designed to be difficult to access to limit thieves ability to hot-wire the car.

[Edward J.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Mark to add to Terry's slotted adjustment to the ignition switch under column, also check to make sure the tilting mechanism is not floating around, I have seen the 3 screws that retain the lower housing back off, Generally you'll get some movement when you pull down on the top of steering column.

[Mark E.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Thanks Edward and Terry.

I suspected what Terry mentioned, but I'll check the tilt mechanism also, just to make sure everything is ok.

Meanwhile, I park the car with the tilt up providing an extra anti-theft device.

[Jim S.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

A fairly common problem with older Vette tilt & telescoping steering columns is a broken die cast rack inside the steering column head. That rack and plastic sector change the rotation of your ignition key to a linear motion that actuates the ignition switch that is mounted on the steering column jacket (down underneath the dash). The rack can break such that with the column head tilted in one direction, there is engagement to the rack. The broken rack problem is common enough that automotive stores have replacement parts to fix this condition.


The bad news is that you have to remove the steering column from the car and disassemble the column head in order to replace the rack.


Jim

[Mark E.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Thanks Jim. This looks like another likely cause. Maybe I should first check the position and tightness of the ignition switch and tilt mechanism as Terry and Edward suggest since that's easier.

Then go from there and check for good ground and the condition of the die cast rack.

[Jim S.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Mark,
Good idea to eliminate the more easily checked areas first. But I am afraid that the position of the tilt head sort of indicates a broken rack The broken rack in the picture probably wouldn't move the rod to the ignition switch at all. But I am aware of just a segment of the "fan shaped" part of the rack to be broken and thus allowing the switch to work only in one extreme position (for a while.)

I do have a set of three Disassembly & Repair Papers and three D&R pics on the C3 Tilt & Telescoping column. They were written and revised over the last 15 years or so. Unfortunately, I am getting just too old to start making videos. But they do walk you through all the steps including removing the steering wheel and hub. Removing the steering column from the car, removing the locking plate, turn signal switch, pivot pins, etc.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1004

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1009

[Edward J.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Mark, I think if you lower the column you can just add a check of the movement of the Rod the comes from the rack and rod when moving the ignition key and cylinder if there is no movement of the rod Jim is right on the money the rack maybe broken.

[Terry M.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Mark, I think if you lower the column you can just add a check of the movement of the Rod the comes from the rack and rod when moving the ignition key and cylinder if there is no movement of the rod Jim is right on the money the rack maybe broken.

Good idea, Ed

[Mark E.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Jim,

Thanks for the links to your articles. It looks like a tremendous amount of thought and work went into them. Your website is definitely a great resource.

That's the good news. The bad news is it looks like I have a major project ahead of me.

[Jim S.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

There are a couple individuals that subscribe to the Corvette Forum that indicate that they rebuild C3 T&T columns. If you determine that the problem is a broken rack, you may ask the rebuild question over at the Forum. I can't vouch for any individuals. There is also a company Steering Columns Galore out of New York. They are not cheap, but I have yet to hear any bad comments relative to their steering column work. You can easily find them via the internet.
Jim

[Mark E.]

Re: Starter cranks only when tilt wheel is positioned downward

Thanks Jim. The steering column may be the only major component in my car that hasn't been rebuilt, restored, or replaced. So it shouldn't be a surprise...