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Topic: Engine tries to start.

in Forum: C3 Electrical

Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/24/07 10:42am Message 1 of 8
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Fort Wayne, IN - USA
Joined: 1/17/2005
Posts: 179
Vette(s): '75 Stingray Coupe - 350 Bored, Edelbrock Alum. Heads, Performer Intake/ Carb., Harland Sharp Roller Rockers, MSD Ign., XE Comp. Cam, Pete Jackson Gear Drive, Hooker Headers, Side Pipes, TH400, 3000 RPM Stall and 3.55 Rear Gears
I just replaced the battery. Now when I try to connect the new battery the starter tries to crank the engine. Can anybody tell me why it might do it? I had the starter out and believe I connected it properly before I replaced the battery ( It wouldn't hold a charge). I know it is something stupid I am missing. Figured I would ask the forum.

Thanks in advance  to all replies.



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Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/24/07 11:09am Message 2 of 8
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williamston, NC - USA
Joined: 1/19/2006
Posts: 353
Vette(s): 1969 coupe, 350, m22 trans, ac, black on black,
 if the starter is engaging as soon as you hook up the battery, you either have a bad ignition switch, or your   starter is getting a direct feed from the battery and not going thru the switch,I think on the 75s  your circuit goes thru the horn relay,, maybe that is sticking, if so its on the drivers side fender well,,try tapping it to see if its stuck,, rd


Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/24/07 6:45pm Message 3 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
Did you also replace the starter? If so, you have the purple wire on the center terminal, or the purple wire is touching the center terminal. Fix that, or put the purple wire on the inner terminal, closest to the engine.
If you did not replace the starter, the solenoid could be stuck. Try tapping on the solenoid with a small hammer, to see if it un-sticks.
The horn relay on these cars is not part of the main feed, like the older cars were. It is just a horn relay. The older cars used the horn relay as a "multi-terminal", to power several other circuits.
There could be an issue with the ignition switch, true, but that would really be a long-shot. It would have to be pretty melted/damaged to crank the engine when the batt. is connected.

I'm betting whatever reason you replaced the battery for is the problem here. If you moved/jiggled any of the wires on the starter solenoid before, it's possible that the purple wire is contacting the red(batt +), and that's what causing the cranking. It's even possible that the harness has a melted section in the starter area, and some of the wires are touching.


Joel Adams
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Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/25/07 12:39am Message 4 of 8
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Fort Wayne, IN - USA
Joined: 1/17/2005
Posts: 179
Vette(s): '75 Stingray Coupe - 350 Bored, Edelbrock Alum. Heads, Performer Intake/ Carb., Harland Sharp Roller Rockers, MSD Ign., XE Comp. Cam, Pete Jackson Gear Drive, Hooker Headers, Side Pipes, TH400, 3000 RPM Stall and 3.55 Rear Gears
Thanks for the help. I took the starter back off. I noticed originally the battery wire had a 1/2 bare just past the connector. The terminals on the mini high torque starter are pretty close so a taped up the wires and ends pointed the wires in opposite directions and it fired right up.
I first had a problem last fall right before I quit driving for the winter.  I tried to crank the motor  after pulling  the car into the driveway, I would get nothing. No click to the solenoid. So I was working my way through the ignition system. ( thanks for the wiring diagram) It is pretty tight in there even with the mini starter and headers. Everything was pointing towards an ignition switch or neutral safety switch. Because I knew the starter and battery were good.
I put the starter in 3 years ago. The battery was under full warranty. I am hoping all that happened was the wires moved and  were close causing  the battery to discharge.Then when I checked and reinstalled the starter I obviously left them making contact. I was actually happy when the starter tried to crank when I hooked up the neg. cable.
 I was starting to think I was working on a Ford. Confused



Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/25/07 4:48am Message 5 of 8
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
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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.
Sounds like you found the source of the gremlin. Good going!!


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Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/25/07 8:42am Message 6 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
Kewl!
It's always the "silly" stuff, ain't it?
Glad ya got it goin!


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/25/07 11:19am Message 7 of 8
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
Joel, I can't help but express the comfort you afford us by being there when these problems come up. Why.......... you sound like you do this every day  Clap. We are indeed blessed while you are around. No BS, thanks dude.


Engine tries to start.

Posted: 3/25/07 2:26pm Message 8 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
Oh, STOP!
There are plenty of other folks here that give excellent tech help. I'm only one. If I can help with a problem, that's what it's all about. (don't tell no-buddy, but...I ain't always right.)
Thanx, anyway..


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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