UnregisteredSA22C

Hey everyone,

I just finished replacing the bearings on the rear axle of my 1980 sa. I took it out for a quick spin, then came back and parked it. After turning the engine off, I realized I was parked on a power cord so I went to start it again immediately, and it didn't start. I tried later once everything had cooled and it started fine.

The next day, I was driving it and having a blast. As I coasted in neutral to a stop sign, it died on me and wouldn't start. It didn't even want to turn over; there is no difference between the "on" and "start" key positions.

Stuff I've checked:
-I know there's power reaching the starter
-Battery reads 12.5V, lights and everything work.
-All my fuses are fine
-Tested fusible links in engine bay
-checked wiring connections between battery and starter

Other possibly relevant info:
-Just rebuilt the engine; has <500km
-New exhaust, intake, carb, fuel pump

I'm thinking it's the ignitor, or coils? Anybody have other ideas/suggestions?

Roland

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Check the small wire with a spade connection that comes down from the harness to the starter. It gets
loose over time and can look like its connected but not connect well and lead to these kinds of issues.
The clue to me was when you said no difference between start and on, at start it should be kicking
the starter out to engage the flywheel and spinning to start it up. That little wire controls that.

During all that work, it probably wasn't put back on tight or its loose. You may need to squeeze the
spade to be tighter to make a good connection.

If its not that I would start looking at the starter switch behind the key cylinder in the steering column.
Those are known for having issues over time. Often they start coming apart and just need to be
fasten back together and the metal tangs bent to keep it assembled. That will make sense once you
look at it.

TimWilbers

iTrader: (1)

My wife had a similar issue with our Ford E250. She said it was the battery.
Switched batteries & no joy.
Turned the key and no clickity-click, not even a click.

I replaced the starter+solenoid.

Is it possible to disconnect the solenoid connection & jump it with 12v+ to see if it engages? That would bypass the key switch and wire harness.

UnregisteredSA22C

Thanks for the help you guys! turned out to be the little wire going to the starter had worked its way off. easy fix in the end!

roland