Classic/Antique Car Repair/Starting Problem

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Expert: - 8/7/2011


Question
QUESTION: 92 Deville will not start after motor gets too hot. Will start after setting for a while. Could I have a coil or condenser problem?

ANSWER: Does the starter spin the engine over at the normal cranking speed when It will not start? Let me know.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The starter does not spin. It seems as if there is no connection. All of the electronics work.

Answer
Ah Ha, he said. If the starter does not spin the problem is only in the starter system. That will include the ignition switch, neutral starter switch, solenoid, or the starter itself. Of course do not forget the wiring to all of these components. In cases like this I have been known to install some temporary wiring to the starter, solenoid, and other components. Use a small gage wire like 14 or 18 and run the wires up top side in the engine compartment. That way I can get a voltmeter connected when the problem occurs without climbing under the car and see where the voltage stops. That will tell you where the problem is. Oh, does the car have an alarm system?

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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