Re: Starting trouble help needed.

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

John,

Check to see if you have voltage at the coil with the key in the run 
position. If not, you need to trace the wiring back to the ignition switch 
to see what's wrong (a wiring diagram from a TSM will help you out tracing 
the circuit). I'd suspect either a bad resistor or ignition switch.

On points type systems, power is generally supplied to the coil from a 
terminal on the starter solenoid that bypasses the resistor which allows 
for a hotter spark when cranking and is likely why the car will fire when 
cranking but dies with the key in the run position.

Matt

At 11:28 PM 5/17/2005 -0400, you wrote:
> I was taking my Hornet for a ride the other day and had to
> tow it home because of a starting problem I haven't
> encountered before. Read on if you think you can help figure
> out the issue.
>
> The car started up fine when cold, with it's usual tendency
> to stall 'til a minute or two has passed. Toying with the
> pedal is enough to keep her running those first couple of
> minutes.
>
> I drove it for about 10 minutes when I stopped at a store to
> grab a drink. When I came out, the car cranked, but did not
> fire up. It did fire somewhat, but only as long as the key
> remained in the start position, meaning the starter was still
> engaging. But as soon as allowed to return to the 'run'
> position, the car stalled.
>
> I popped off the air cleaner lid, and closed the choke. Now it
> would only crank with no sign of firing.
>
> Propping the choke open again meant it would again fire as long
> as the starter was engaged.
>
> A bit of starter fluid spray was no help.
>
> After it was towed home, I swapped the fuel filter, plugs,
> points and condenser, but the issue remains unchanged.
>
> Any ideas where to go next?
>
> John

mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1967 Rambler American wagon
1968 Rambler American sedan
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