I have a 1980 that I just got. The previous owner said that it had been sitting for 5 months. I replaced the ignition switch because it had fallen completely apart. All of the electrical system seems to work now...except the starter. Everything in the car comes on with the ignition in the 'On' position (lights, radio, AC) but when you turn the key to 'Start', not only does the starter do nothing, but power to everything else goes away too. Any Ideas out there.

The previous owner also told me that he had replaced 'The wiring harness' and the igniters.

 

It sounds like you have electrical issues. Troubleshoot through it. Start with the basic things to eliminate things little by little until you find the problem.

 

Steve-
Sounds like either the starter or the solenoid? Before you pull it tho, do a real good cleaning of the battery terminals and the cable ends, see if that helps.
Starter is a breeze to pull, and any good auto electric shop will do a bench test while you wait, usually for free.
-disconnect battery
-jacks under left of car
-starter on rear dr. side of the motor, held by 2 14mm bolts. Its HEAVY so don't drop it on your head!!
-NOTE how wires attach!! All have unique leads, so its hard to mis-match, but a quick digi-picture is nice to have for re-assy.

If battery checks OK, then your next culprit would be the battery cables - these can look fine but be shot. Amazing number of mystery electrical gremlins go away with new cables! If the car is a keeper, splurge on new cables anyway - cause the old ones will bite you in the @ss sooner than later- and rotaries need a strong electric system for starts....

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Turns out the reason the starter won't work is that the engine is totally seized. I thought it might be carbon locked so I tried the MMO trick. No luck at all. Am I gonna have to rebuild? Are there any tutorials or videos for rebuilding a 12a? Any ideas?
Thanks
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