I have a 1973 convertible that I have totally restored and modified. Had a 302, I put in a 351 stroked to a 418 with a C-4 full manual valve body. I have ran the car a couple times so I know everything is wired up correctly, or at least it was wired up correctly. The other day I turn on the ignition, nothing happened. So I turned the key into the run position, and jumpered the 2 small posts on the front of the solenoid marked “I” and “S” and it started right up. I tried replacing the solenoid but that didn’t do anything. The amazing thing is, a week ago it turned over just fine. So what changed? Well I installed an electric fuel pump operated by a switch in the car, I do not have it wired to the ignition. I wired the switch and fuel pump to a relay which is wired directly to the battery with an inline fuse. I also put a hood tach in which is connected to the black wire on the wiper motor, the – terminal on the coil and grounded to the body. Obviousely I have done something that I have forgotten about or just didn't relize I did. That’s it, nothing else has changed. I have a volt meter, but don’t really know how to check the wiring through out the ignition system. What makes this such a nightmare is the solution is probably very simple, but where do I start? What is the best way to figure out what the problem is.

Thanks for any and all help
73stroker

 

Check for voltage on the small terminal on the solenoid with the key in the run position. Should be about 9vdc. The other small terminal should have 12vdc with the key in the start position. It sounds like either an open wire between the ignition switch and the soleniod or a bad ignition switch.

 

this happened to me after my headlight harness right under the battery and solenoid was rested on the alternator fan....cut the wires and the whole thing went to hell...i crimped them back up but its temporary..........

 

67t5ponycoupe,

Thanks, at least now I know were to start. When standing at the side of the fender looking down on the solenoid, the left side gives me 12 and the left side is 0. The wire reading 0 goes back to the ignition, and I could not find any cuts in the wire. I will try to check it for ontinuity. Any other suggestions for different things to check. Thanks again

 

by the way ontinuity is Continuity.