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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Wiring of 1976 buick starter

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Expert: - 3/27/2010


Question
I have a 1976 buick 225 with a 455 engine and have taken off the starter - when  reconnected (three wires) the car runs without a key and drains my battery. I am unable to find schematic for the starter to get wires on correctly - can you help?
Thank you

Answer
The big wire goes to the largest terminal at the top of the solenoid. One of the two smaller wires should be purple and it should go to the start terminal of the ignition switch and carry voltage only when the ignition switch is turned to the start position and is connected to the "S" terminal of the solenoid. Both small terminals of the solenoid should be marked, one "R" and one "S". When looking at them the "S" terminal is slightly larger than the "R" terminal and the nuts will not interchange. The other wire comes from the + terminal of the ignition coil and is connected to the "R" terminal of the solenoid. If this does not do the trick let me know and we will go from there.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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