Re: [AMC-list] Concord won't start

[Marc Montoni <Freedom@xxxxxxxx>]

russ hathaway <russh97309@xxxxxxxxx> said:


>I have a 78 Concord 304 that is driving me nuts. It won't start. When I 
>release the key from the start position it tries to start and if I am lucky 
>it'll fire, but the key returns to off too soon. I hooked up one of those 
>spark testers and I get no spark while it is cranking, then when I release 
>the jumper it sparks for an instant.


I cracked open the 78 TSM.  For "no start, no spark", it says:

- no voltage to ign
- primary wiring connector not fully engaged
- coil open or shorted
- cracked distributor cap
- defective rotor

In my experience some other possibilities come to mind.  Dave Stohler mentioned the rod-actuated switch attached to the steering column.  I picked up two cars in a row several years ago that the owners had a no-start condition on that they couldn't figure out.  In both cases, that switch was simply misadjusted!  If you look at it, you will see that it has elongated slots so it can slide back and forth.  If those switches aren't in exactly the right spot, they can cause all sorts of mischief.


>I took off the batt cable to charge it as I wore the battery down cranking, and the car cranked for a second. Whats going on?


You disconnected it but it continued cranking?  Now that is weird.  However I've noticed a discharged battery can make the starting system do all sorts of really weird stuff.  But that symptom suggests either there was some residual current left in the system somewhere or that the engine actually fired as you disconnected it and the starter was still engaged and went along for the ride.

I'd take a look at the basics first.  Make sure your switch is applying current to the right wires at the right position of the key, and go from there.  Once you have that, test current at the coil, and so on.



------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARC MONTONI
Harrisonburg VA
http://FreeVirginia.blogspot.com/
Freedom.  Responsibility.  www.LP.org 
Cu vi parolas Esperanton?
I'd rather push a Rambler than drive a Toyota.
Visit www.AMCRC.com or www.AMONational.com .
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