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Topic: 1974 vette wont start

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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1974 vette wont start (1/5)
 6/14/10 6:58pm
jo5hm
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Joined: 6/14/2010
Posts: 1

I have a 1974 corvette L48 I bought the other day. I put it in the garage and then when I went to start it a few days later the car seems likes its dead. (however the battery is fine).  I have no idea what couldve caused this, the car would fire up perfectly when I would start it before. When i turn the key now, randomly, the radio and acc. will turn on, but most of the time its like everything is dead. When the radio, acc., etc does turn on and you go to turn the key farther to start it, it kills everything and seems like there is no power to the car at all. I replaced the ignition assembly today in the steering colum with the same results... can anyone help?????????????????
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1974 vette wont start (2/5)
 6/14/10 7:23pm
ranger3Lifetime Member
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North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top


Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

My initial thought is a ground problem. Check the connections at the battery first. Make sure everything is clean and tight. Also check the negative battery cable, under the car. I too, would have thought about the ignition assembly, but since you have changed that, I would start with the basics. HTH.

Scott
1974 vette wont start (3/5)
 6/14/10 7:49pm
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Sounds like a ground - I agree with Scott. I would clean and tighten all battry connections and see what happens.
1974 vette wont start (4/5)
 6/14/10 10:45pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Yeppers...most likely a loose/corroded battery connection. Check those connections first, then the ground connections. The fist ground connection is the cable from the battery to the frame. It is attached to the frame just behind, and under the driver seat area. The other major ground is a cable from the frame to the engine block, on the passenger side, right where the engine mount is. Check those out carefully.
Another problem area is the positive cable from the battery to the starter solenoid. Check to see that that cable is also nice and snug...it can work loose, and cause the exact issue you are having. Be sure to dis-connect the negative battery cable from the battery before trying to tighten the nut on the starter solenoid...if you don't, you'll have lots of sparks flyin!
Welcome to C3VR, too!
Adams' Apple2010-06-14 19:51:45

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1974 vette wont start (5/5)
 6/16/10 4:39pm
philip
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Marana, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Silver Blue


Joined: 4/8/2010
Posts: 104

I agree with all the others. The connection of one of the batery cables is poor, but enough for small amp loads like the radio. As soon as you hit start the amp draw opens the connection. If cleaning the cables doesn't correct it check for corrosion under the insulation of the battery cables near the battery terminal ends. If the wire is bulged out it is corroded and will need replaced.
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