Electrical Problem / Insanity, Starter issue Options

[jsaum]

Before I go totally insane I'm hoping someone can help me through trouble shooting a problem with the ignition switch not actuating the starter. First a little information, I have a late model year 1972 1.7 with the fuel injection removed and a carburetor installed. After six months of working on the car I've finally gotten to the point where I have installed the motor with a new starter The car has been apart for 12 years sitting in the garage. First the starter failed to work when I tried to turn it over. Thinking the new starter was bad I took it off and had it tested this morning at the auto parts store it works fine. I also had the battery checked and it is good as well.

I put the starter back in and it worked four or five times so I thought it was fixed. I then hooked up the fuel line and went to try and start it and the starter wouldn't work again!#@%###. I can jump it across the positive battery cable to the solenoid and it works. I have 12 volts on the yellow wire to the started solenoid when it is disconnected and 8.5 volts when it is connected when the key is turned. I have checked the relay board at pin # 6 and I have 12 volts there when the key is turned with the connector off. I ran a jumper wire to the solenoid from pin# 6 on the relay board and the voltage goes down to 8.5 when the key is turned to start so I think I have eliminated that the yellow wire is bad from the relay board to the starter solenoid.

I can't tell from the schematic my manual if there are other things in the circuit I should check. I'm wondering if my ignition switch is bad.

Anyone have any ideas or insight? Any suggestions or directions would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks,
Jsaum

[naro914]

My bet is on the ignition switch.
I had the same problem with Papa Smurf. Sometimes it would start just fine, then I'd come off the track, and sometimes there was nothing (power was on, fuel pump running...no start) not even an attempt to start like a low battery. Strange though, when I would 'jump' the battey with a charger or something, it started fine.

I have since disconnected the key switch and went to a push button. Never have a problem anymore.

On Huey, we have a strange occurance. always starts, but sometimes, the car just 'shuts off' while driving. Turn the key off, back on and it starts right up and goes along fine. Again, I think it's in the key switch. Its not that uncommon, after 40 years, the little metal pieces in the switch start to wear out. Replace the switch and I'd bet it works fine.