Expert: Brad Sears - 4/24/2011

Question
Car has been converted to 12 V. When Ipress start bottom I get no response yet if I push the button on the bottom of my old style starter solenoid it will turn over but won't start.
Car had shown no starter or electrical problems till this. The car had  been sitting for about 2 to 3 weeks last fall when this occurred.
I pushed it in the garage to store it and now it's time to get her out and enjoy the drive.

Any help would really be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Tim

Answer
Well it sounds like there is no current getting to the ignition switch or those circuits. Now a few questions and with the answers we can get to a diagnosis. First, is the wiring of the car original or original type? In the conversion to 12 volts was a new harness installed or wires cut and spliced Does the engine use the original coil and ignition low voltage wiring? Is the ignition switch the original or original type on the steering column? If so, use a test light or voltmeter and see if there is voltage to one side of the switch with the key off and both sides of the switch with the key on. With the key off is there voltage to the starter push button? With the key on is there voltage to the ignition coil low voltage terminal? Let me know and we will go from thee. Buy the way my main old car driver is a 1941 Ford Sedan Coupe.