Topic: spark issue
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Lifetime MemberModerator
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
The pink wire in the connector on the column is the power for the + side of the coil. It should be hot with the key in the "On" position.Since this is an HEI equipped car(originally), the pink wire should also be hot in "Start" and "Crank" modes. I'm not sure how the aftermarket ign. is wired, or how it's supposed to work, so I couldn't say if that is the problem or not.
I'm loosing what little brain I ever had...I've been thinking this was a point type car for some reason(the '60s & 70s were GOOD to me!
)
The HEI gets full voltage(12v) from the key any time it is on, not just in "Run". Sorry for the wrong diagnosis stuff.
You still may have an issue with the ign. switch, the connector, or the bulkhead pass-thru. That's about all there is. The switch is getting power, since it does crank...
I'm loosing what little brain I ever had...I've been thinking this was a point type car for some reason(the '60s & 70s were GOOD to me!
)
The HEI gets full voltage(12v) from the key any time it is on, not just in "Run". Sorry for the wrong diagnosis stuff.
You still may have an issue with the ign. switch, the connector, or the bulkhead pass-thru. That's about all there is. The switch is getting power, since it does crank...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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JOEL,
HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHECK THE PINK WIRE, 12 VOLTS WHEN TURNED ON THEN DROPS TO ABOUT 6.5-7.0 WHEN CRANKING. iS THIS THE CULPRIT ??
I WAS TOLD THERE CAN BE AN ADJUSTMENT ON THE ROD TO THE SWITCH ON THE TOP OF THE COLUMN, IT IS A NEWER COLUMN THAT WHEN INSTALLED HAD A NEW SWITCH ON TOP. IS DROPPING THE COLUMN TO REPLACE THE SWITCH A BIG DEAL OR CAN I DO IT MYSELF.
THANKS
(Click image for a bigger version)
Lifetime MemberModerator
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
I don't think you have to drop the column to replace, or adjust the switch, but it does make it easier. The switch is screwed to the column with two small machine type screws, usually 1/4", 0r 5/16". The switch is slotted where the screws go, so it can be adjusted.
The voltage shouldn't be dropping that much, tho it will drop some, due to the amperage/voltage the starter requires. Have you checked the battery voltage while cranking? It shouldn't go below 10 1/2-11v while cranking, unless there is a problem with the starter.(or the battery) The voltage at the column shouldn't be any less than batt. voltage.
The voltage shouldn't be dropping that much, tho it will drop some, due to the amperage/voltage the starter requires. Have you checked the battery voltage while cranking? It shouldn't go below 10 1/2-11v while cranking, unless there is a problem with the starter.(or the battery) The voltage at the column shouldn't be any less than batt. voltage.
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 Engines
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