Strange starting issue

[threewood]

Intermittent issue starting my 62 Belvedere. Starter is around 6 months old, ignition switch is new, starter relay is about a year old.

99% of the time the car starts on the first turn of the key, no hard starting or excessive cranking. But, that 1% of the time I will turn the key and get nothing. Lights, radio, etc are not affected. No clicking. Occurs whether motor is hot or cold.

When I get the non start issue I pop the hood and jump the 2 starter terminals with a screwdriver and starter will turn over. Get back in, turn the key and instant start. Dead spot in starter? Relay?

 

[cudajunction]

Battery cables are dirty of filled with corrosion.

 

[69Runner]

Based on jumping the terminals at the relay resulting in the starter turning, it seems to be there, not at the starter. When it happens again get someone to start again while you check for juice at the relay (both signal from the ignition and +12VDC from battery). Maybe you are jiggling a wire at the bulkhead connector. Is there a neutral interlock from the transmission (affecting ground?) I'm thinking it is the wiring. :thinker:

 

[Moparsmitty]

Check the wire (usually a yellow wire) from the S terminal on the ignition switch to the start terminal on the starter relay. May be corroded in the bulkhead connector. Be really careful with the bulkhead connector, the plastic is 50+ years old and will break easily.

 

[threewood]

I didn't jump the wires at the relay, I jumped the wires at the starter itself. I'll check the bulkhead connector again, I had it apart and cleaned not to long ago when I was trying to troubleshoot my fuel gauge. I had a spare relay in my box ( I try and keep plenty spares of electrical components for roadside assistance ). So I will see if the problem persists. The battery cables are mint, had them off and on enough in the past 3 months. Connections at starter are tight and corrosion free. I seem to have a tough time trusting "new" electrical components anymore so I cannot rule out any of it.

 

[Dennis H]

Not sure if yours has the Bulkhead Connector. If so, check it carefully. Try to determine if you have headlights and other electrics working at the moment of failure.

 

[threewood]

Not sure if yours has the Bulkhead Connector. If so, check it carefully. Try to determine if you have headlights and other electrics working at the moment of failure.

The only light I noticed go dim was the oil pressure warning light on the dash. The radio was still crackling too while the tubes warmed up. Interior light still worked. If it happens again I will check the other lights. Just strange, bump the starter terminals and all is well.