64 Starting Issue

[Ralph L.]

I'm having a starting issue with my 64. When first turning the key, the car turns over. If it doesn't start after cranking 5-6 times. I'll release the key and try starting again. This time it won't turn over. Lights are bright, windows and radio work fine. I'll wait a few minutes and try again and it will start right up. This happens when the car is both hot and cold. Once it starts, I can drive with no problems. I'm thinking it is the ignition switch. Anything else it may be?

[Edward J.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

Ralph , No Starts Can Be So Many Things, No Spark ,no Fuel, First Thing I Would Advise Is Take Air Cleaner Lid Of Open Choke If Cold And Push Acc. Pedal A Few Times , You Should See Fuel Squirting Out Into The Inside Of Carb, That Will Eliminate No Fuel . Its Also The Possiable When Not Starting After Car Sits Awhile The Fuel In Float Bowl Maybe Draining Into Intake Manifold Causing Long Cranking Times Before Starting. If All Looks Okay With Fuel , If You Want To Check Switched Ignition Power To Coil+ Side With A Test Light , With Key Switch To On Position , Positive Side Of Coil Should Light Lamp. Let Me Know How You Make Out. Ed

[David D.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

Ed,
Unless I'm reading Ralph's question wrong, I don't think he has a starting problem per say.....It sounds like he has a momentary Open in the starter solenoid, or his ignition switch circuitry.

I probably know enough on how to fix if it happened on my car, but not smart enough to give any advice on how to trouble shoot, so I have to leave that one to some of the experts here....

David

[Edward J.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

Dave Problem Could Be Two Fold -long Cranking To Start , Starter Solonoid Could Also Be A Problem Or Ing. Switch.

[David D.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

Ed,
Oh, I see what your saying. Sorry my man.
David

[Timothy B.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

Take a test light and have someone hold the ignition key in the start position and check for power at the coil+ and starter solenoid terminal pink wire. If power is present, ignition switch is fine at that point check battery terminals for resistance and starter solenoid.

[Joe C.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

I'm having a starting issue with my 64. When first turning the key, the car turns over. If it doesn't start after cranking 5-6 times. I'll release the key and try starting again. This time it won't turn over. Lights are bright, windows and radio work fine. I'll wait a few minutes and try again and it will start right up. This happens when the car is both hot and cold. Once it starts, I can drive with no problems. I'm thinking it is the ignition switch. Anything else it may be?

Ignition switch, bulkhead connector, neutral safety switch (auto trans), wiring-switch to starter, starter solenoid.
Direct jump the purple wire terminal (S) and the battery terminal on the starter solenoid when this happens. Use a momentary starter button or jack up the front, use jack stands, remove the coil wire, and short the 2 terminals with a screwdriver. If the starter cranks, then the problem is either the switch, or the related wiring. If not, then it's the solenoid.
Of course, all of your connections and battery terminals are clean, right?
It is very probable that it is the infamous "bulkhead connector" that is the culprit. Check the connection for the ppl solenoid wire @ the connector.
Then again, you can always try the good old "hit the starter with a hammer if it doesn't work" trick. Really! If all else checks AOK, and the starter is no-crank when you short the terminals directly, usually, a good crack with a heavy hammer will get it to work...............until next time! In that case, its time to clean and/or rebuild the starter/solenoid.

Joe

[Larry S.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

Could be a "flat spot" on the starter armature. This occasionally happened back in the 60's. If all else fails - a new starter !

[Ralph L.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

Thanks guys for the suggestions... I'll post how I make out...

[Ralph L.]

Re: 64 Starting Issue

It was a loose connection at the coil... I appreciate the quick responses and all of the suggestions...