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Topic: 78 won't start

in Forum: C3 Engines

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78 won't start (1/6)
11/23/16 12:19pm

buxton161
Former Member
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Scarborough, MA - USA

Vette(s):
78 Corvette stingray

Joined: 5/30/2016
Posts: 30

Not too long ago I noticed a broken belt, was not the main belt and the fan was still working.

Took it out to see what the issues may be. First the GEN ? light came on, then my head lights went out.

I pulled over to check it out, turned the car off and now won't start.

Won't crank, and simply no power at all anywhere.

Any ideas?

Thank you in Advance.

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Re: 78 won't start (2/6)
11/23/16 1:06pm

cingraham
Former Member
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Brookline, NH - USA

Vette(s):
1976 corvette L82 red interior with white seats and door panels with ceramic headers and flow master exhaust and a Crane Cam

Joined: 5/2/2014
Posts: 46

sounds like the belt that broke was for the alternator which charges the battery. If the alternator belt is broken then you aren't charging your battery and any power like having your headlights on will drain down your battery to nothing.

Causing the no power problem

______________
There's nothing better in life then a Vette

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Re: 78 won't start (3/6)
11/23/16 1:14pm

73shark
Limited Member
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.

Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 866

If the alternator belt was still turning the alternator, then both the alternator and/or battery are dead possibly.

______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

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Re: 78 won't start (4/6)
11/23/16 1:24pm

buxton161
Former Member
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Scarborough, MA - USA

Vette(s):
78 Corvette stingray

Joined: 5/30/2016
Posts: 30

After replacing the belt,

would the alternator also need to be replaced after the battery is charged?

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Re: 78 won't start (5/6)
11/23/16 11:10pm

First charge the battery and have it tested. Most auto parts stores will do it for free. Once you know the battery is good, then start the car and go back to the store and they can test the alternator.

______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

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Re: 78 won't start (6/6)
11/25/16 7:57am

Grahamred70
Former Member
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, - United Kingdom

Vette(s):
1970 convertible in red 350

Joined: 10/6/2015
Posts: 83

I know it's a long shot but when the belt failed did it perhaps take out part of the wiring? Just a thought but the car shouldn't have gone immediately dead when the belt broke.

Good luck

Graham

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