starting problems

[calebw]

my 76 spider wont start and non of the gauges get power. I have a new battery a reworked starter. Im getting power to the starter. Is it a relay or is it some other problem im at a loss. what should i do?

[rlux4]

Caleb, you said the starter is getting power, does that mean the engine is cranking, but won't fire? Are you getting anything? LIke backfire, cranking fast and then lugging down. I guess my question is (assuming the engine is cranking) have you checked spark and fuel flow?
Ron

[calebw]

no its not cranking and the starter is making no noise. my best guess is a relay or a ground but havent found anything thats not grounded and i dont know how to test a relay other than changing it out.

[rlux4]

Did you try to jumper the solenoid with the key on to get it to crank? If that turns it over is probably is the relay. If we assume it's not the ignition switch itself.
This is how we did it back in the day. Be careful though, make sure you're in nuetral, and the brake is set. Don't do it alone, have someone there to provide help if needed.
Ron

[calebw]

I've never done that or have seen it done if you could describe how to do it that would be alot of help since it sounds like my car might run off on me into the creek thats next to the house.

[rlux4]

Yes I will, but first let's see if one of the pros has a better diagnostic method. It's safe enough on a car with the starter in a lot easier position to get a tool to. I'll check in tomorrow and see if we have a good answer. OK?
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

when you put in the reworked starter, did you make sure to get all of the connectors on the starter lug? There is a wire smaller than the battery cable that takes power from the solenoid lug to the ign switch. That's where the gauges will get power. The next step will require either a voltmeter or test light, have you got either or those?

[rlux4]

Oh good! Mark to the rescue.
Ron

[calebw]

the starter has a brown, black, red spade and the battery wire that goes to it, and the black and brown are on the same lug with the green battery wire is that right or is it wrong. I'd better go get a meter today and test the ignition switch too

[calebw]

maybe i have the starter improperly gronded i have the main ground from the frame to the bellhousing but are there otheres for the starter? i dont want to ground a live wire. the diagram i have isnt very good and any help would be great also i forgot to mention that alot and i mean alot isnt connected i have the fuel pump, starter, coil, distributer,alternator connected and that about it other than some lights and gauges

[So Cal Mark]

all of the cables attach to the solenoid at the main lug except for the small spade terminal. No other grounds; the starter is bolted to the engine/trans assembly and that is grounded. Do you have a voltmeter for troubleshooting?

[calebw]

yes i have a meter and im getting 12v to the starter. Could it be a relay, a bad ignition switch or a fuse i dont think it goes through a fuse though does it?

[So Cal Mark]

do you have 12v to the spade connector with the key turned to "start"? If so, then check to see if you have voltage to the lower lug on the solenoid with the key in "start"

[calebw]

well it turns over now but has no spark and the fuel the pump is making noise but no fuel is at the carb. Im getting power at the coil and the points are working properly but no spark i have a new distributor that plastic T with metal contacts but still no spark what could it be?

[So Cal Mark]

you have power to the + side of the coil? Does the - coil terminal show pulsing voltage while cranking?