I am having an inconsistency problem with starting my car and I do not know enough about the ignition system to be able to diagnose it. This started about a month ago - the car would not start, checked the distributor and was not getting any fire. I ran a wire straight from the + side of the battery to the + side of the coil hit the switch and everything fired off. After starting the car with the wire I can disconnect the wire and start the car like normal. After letting the car sit for a few hours the problem will repeat itself. I have already replaced the ignition switch...any ideas as to what the problem might be?

 

Your solenoid MIGHT not be providing the coil a full 12 volts at startup.

There is a separate "start" circuit that circumvents the resistor wire to assist spark on startup. This is a simple circuit that runs from a small post on the solenoid directly to the coil. This would be a great place to start your troubleshooting. If this is the problem, it could be that the solenoid is not making good contact, or the wire from the solenoid to the coil may be broken internally.

 

Good answer.

I would clean connections then jumper + batt to solenoid ignition post, start car, wiggle coil wire repeat.
I would also measure resistance of solenoid I post to + coil post.
Have a spare solenoid in trunk.

Maybe easier just to clean connections and install new solenoid. Have spare +batt to + coil jumper wire in trunk.

 

I have not had a problem starting engines without this 12v initial feed so while its worth checking don't be shocked if that's not the problem. My 87 pickup gets 5v to the coil at all times with no issues.