Hi all, Just had my distributor replaced a couple weeks ago. I'm having problems starting and I think I know where/what it is, but could use some help. I was replacing my positive battery cable to the starter, and noticed the other clip attached on the same screw that has two wires attached, had one of the wires cut/burned through. The car won't start now, and I'm unsure if one of these wires is the culprit, or if it's a bad coil, points? Eric
No. The alternator is turning but that's it. Yesterday a nieghbor took a look and held one of the wires near a plug, and there was no spark happening.
Did you make sure your distributor was installed correctly? Who installed it? Did they make note of where the rotor was when they pulled it? If it isn't installed like it was pulled out, then you can crank it all day, and it'll never make a spark.
I had it done at a tune up shop, and it ran fine for the next few days. Then the tiny battery I had died, so I replaced it with a new battery and changed out the positive cable to the starter at the same time.
That is correct. i'm thinking it is either a bad coil, or maybe something to do with of those two wires that attach to the same place on the starter as the postive battery cable?
Ok, if the Alternator is turning, the motor is turning over. From what you describe, it sounds like a bad connection at the starter. Try cleaning all the terminals and tightening them.
Good idea. My underbody is a greasy mess. What would be best to clean them with? Also, those other two wires on that clip attached to the same terminal as the + battery cable, any idea what are they for? ( I have a manual at home, but I'm at work right now)
Brake parts cleaner - dries fast and clean. Careful not to get spray in your eyes. It hurts......bad. I'm looking at the wiring for the starter now....
Larry H just posted this on another thread: this may show you what is supposed to be hooked up to what....
I can't imagine the alternator turning without the rest of the engine turning also, since the alt is driven by the crank pulley. That being said, it sounds like you've got a burned/brokwn wire on your starter. If I remember right , you'll have the heavy battery cable along with two wires connected together on the same terminal as the battery cable, another wire connected to the "S" terminal (comes from the starter switch), and another wire on the terminal on the other side of the relay (don't remember where it comes from) Aha! See the picture in this thread: Wiring The other terminal is "R", but I still don't remember what it's for... Hope this helps!
Here is a link to the 71 chassis manual wiring diagram for the ignition system: http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/riv/starter_wiring001.jpg The picture is rather large, so I left it as a link that you click. EDIT: I fixed the linkou:
From the picture, its either the black or brown wire that is melted away. It looks like either the coil or dist. is messed up somehow, or not getting juice.
Will try and check it out tonight. If I remember correctly, that one seemed to be OK.... Fast posting on that that diagram, BTW! Eric
Those two wires supply power to the cars electrical system. They have fusible links which are wires designed to melt and cut off power to the car to prevent a fire in the event of a massive short. If the fusible links are gone you need to replace them. If the fusible links are gone the car won't start or do much of anything. I think we are not communicating, if the alternator is turning the motor is cranking or running.
Hi Larry, Yes, the alternator does rotate (engine is not starting) even though either the brown or black wire on the diagram above is burned out. Does Autozone have those fusible links? Can I splice them in, or do I have to replace the whole wire?
Auto Zone should have them. I know the "HELP" line has them. Yes they can be spliced in. You may have burned them out inadvertently while installing the + cable. Disconnecvt the battery next time.
