bumming big time

kbug · 24 May 2009, 23:46

Hey guys---I wish I was reporting success in firing up my 1776 engine for the first time, but instead I have a problem. Today I bypassed the voltage regulator and hooked up the alternator. Then I hooked up the brand new battery and turned the key. Nothing from the starter. I wanted to cry. The oil and generator lights came on. The headlights come on nice and bright. We never touched the starter or it's wiring during the install. I have a voltage tester but I've never used it. I could use some advice on how to proceed.

Bookwus · 25 May 2009, 01:09

Hiya kbug,

Nuetral safety switch disengaged (car in nuetral)?

kbug · 25 May 2009, 03:03

Hey Bookwus. Yes, car is in neutral. I do hear a click from under the car when I turn the key. Just one click. Starter was working before we pulled the engine, but I did have a dead battery.

Bookwus · 25 May 2009, 03:56

Hiya kbug,

Well, the single click sounds like a starter solenoid malfunction..

Have you cleaned all the contacts to the starter/solenoid? Made sure the tranny ground strap is hooked up in place and cleaned?

kbug · 25 May 2009, 07:06

I'll slide under the bug in the morning and start cleaning things up. Is the grounding strap easy to locate?

68automaticFoVay · 25 May 2009, 10:42

grounding strap is easy to locate it looks just like the battery ground, its the braided wire flat silver strap about a foot long right at the tranny
GL on getting the 1776 running
Joe
just curious did you need to modify the bigger carb for the AS vacuum line?

kbug · 25 May 2009, 17:32

I tried using a screwdriver to connect the 2 terminals on the starter solonoid, as suggested by the Idiot's guide. But all I got was a big spark that startled me. The starter didn't turn. I'm not sure what that means. I'm going out to get a terminal cleaner.

johnr · 25 May 2009, 18:11

Sounds like a stuck starter? Try jumping the battery directly to it and see if it spins. You will get a BIG spark, Easier if you remove it from the engine. Be brave!

greenghia · 25 May 2009, 18:20

Hello, I would make sure that you can still turn the engine by hand (or by the crank nut with a wrench). Is it possible that something got in a bind during the install?

kbug · 25 May 2009, 18:32

I'm going to clean all the terminals 1st. I'll try turning the engine too, but we had to turn it to install the TC bolts. Thanks for your suggestions.

kbug · 25 May 2009, 19:20

I earlier reported that there was a click when I turned the key. That click is when I turned the key to the 1st position. When I turn it beyond that to turn the motor nothing happens. Maybe that changes things. I cleaned the terminals and solenoid connections including the grounding strap. No change.

kbug · 25 May 2009, 20:05

I made some progress. Using jumper cables, I attached one end to the positive battery terminal and then touched the other end to the terminal for the starter motor on the solenoid. The starter motor whirred to life. Then I pulled the wire from the ignition and touched the clamp to that terminal and the engine started to crank. I have to build shelves now, but I would appreciate a link or advice on where to go next.

greenghia · 26 May 2009, 02:59

It really sounds like you have isolated the problem to the starter switch. If you applied power to the wire disconnected from the switch and it worked then there you have it. It may well be related to the dead battery. If your battery is weak and you start the engine you get a voltage drop and that causes the current requirements to turn the starter to go way up. More current equals more heat on the contact points of the starter and that could have been what fried the switch if indeed the switch is bad. I am reading your post as pulled one wire from the ignition SWITCH. Is that correct?

kbug · 26 May 2009, 05:46

Correct, I pulled the wire from the ignition to the solenoid and hot wired that terminal on the solenoid. I hate to sound like a total knucklehead but this is my 1st foray into electrical systems and not one I anticipated. So, do I need to test the switch or should I just replace it? I'll search for some related links here and on the Samba. Thanks Greenghia.

kbug · 26 May 2009, 22:34

I called Wolfsburg West about picking up an ignition switch. The guy told me they stopped carrying them because the switches on the market were crap and were frying people's starters. They are going to manufacture their own, but don't have specs yet. Has anybody else heard this? If that's the case, what are my other options?

They are available from other suppliers.