Problems starting Nova

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by buci99, Jun 22, 2008.

  1. buci99

    buci99 Member

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    I have a 47 truck but am having problems starting 66 Nova, I have power to selenoid but on 'start' mode on switch it will not start, if I use remote starter (which I use ajusting valves) it will start, just installed engine, where did I screw up. I know this is an old truck forum but have received some really good advice here so I thought I'd try you. Thanks
    Bill
     
  2. coilover

    coilover Member

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    The wire from the switch to the solenoid should be purple. If a standard the purple wire will run from the switch to the solenoid and if automatic the route is: switch-neutral safety switch-solenoid. Check the voltage feed wire on the back of the switch ( 12 or 10 gauge red wire) and if hot hold the switch in the start position and check the terminal the purple wire is connected to. If hot the switch is good. If automatic put a jumper across the two purple wires of the neutral safety switch--CAUTION--it will now start in any gear and if it starts the NSS is bad. The 66 switch was still in the dash so there is no adjustment, it's either good or bad. A last check is to use a jumper from a 12v source to the purple wire at the switch, if this doesn't activate the solenoid then there is an open in the wire. Good luck
     
  3. buci99

    buci99 Member

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    Starting

    I have power to the selenoid and it turns over, just will not start.
    Bill
     
  4. slugbug

    slugbug Member

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    Sounds like no power to the coil in the 'start' position from the key. Not sure on a 66 the exact wiring for this. I believe on my 69 it has a relay that activates during cranking and with the key 'on'. Perhaps something in the switch on yours is messed up, or look for a relay. Double check the wiring to your coil and to the starter. Easy to get confused when reinstalling an engine. I do it dang near everytime...

    Did you change anything on the engine? Or just take it out and put it back?

    Andy
     
  5. buci99

    buci99 Member

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    Didn't change a thing on wiring, have an MSD ignition and Dist, checked wiring diagram, it looks good, maybe the switch ?
    Sometimes when I try to start with switch, as I'm letting go of switch in start mode, it will fire
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2008
  6. omega7979

    omega7979 Member

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    Ignition

    Hi,

    If you are running a stock starter there are 2 small threaded posts one marked with a "I" and one with a "S"........sounds like you have the "S" hooked up correctly to engage the solenoid but you need to run a wire from the "I" side of the solenoid (which is active only when the solenoid is activated).......to the positive of your coil because in those old cars the coil had a full 12 volts while cranking(with the key in the start position)......... and once fired it switched to the resistor wire (when the key is in the run position)..........the sometimes starting when you let go of the key depends how fast you let the key spring back off that start position........there is some overlap in those switches but not enuf to have it fire every time....hope you get it figured out.


    Have a good rest of the weekend,

    Leon
     
  7. buci99

    buci99 Member

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    I have a Mini starter, it has only one small post.
    Thanks for your response.
    Bill
     
  8. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Evan ;

    It's been many a year since I worked on old Novas but IRC the purple wire is the ' calibrated resistance ' ingition wire , no ? .

    From my experiance , if it occasionally catches just as you let off the key , this means the ignition circuit in the key switch is going bad.....

    A test light (NOT a meter !) will certainly seperate the wool from the sheep in short order .
     
  9. buci99

    buci99 Member

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    Found The Problem, A Knife Conection On The Switch Was Loose, Thank God I Found It.
    Thanks For All Your Help, Guy's
    Bill
     

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