Inliners International Forums General Discussion Electrical starter /switch issues

This is a 62 nova with the std trany and the L6 of course...I jumped 12volts to the (black wire) S (terminal closest to the block)conection on the starter solenoid and the starter spins! So I assume this means the solenoid and starter are good? When I turn the igition switch to start should I see 12volts between the S terminal and ground on the solenoid? I know I don't ...I maybe see 6volts or so. Also...I am confused in the wiring diagrams why the other terminal (I terminal) goes to coil? Can someone explain that please? At this point I am thinking that I have a bad iginion switch or broken wire somewhere.

Thank for any assistance.

Clyde

The (I)side of the soleniod feeds the coil which is a resitor wire which does not have a true 12 volts. when the motor is running
the volts are under 12 Thats why it is not a good wire to use for a HEI system. Other then that you should have 12 volts when cranking. Hope this helps. }[oooooo]


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NovaMan/Twisted6/Larry

Hi 62,

When you turn the ignition to start, there should be full battery voltage on the "S" (start terminal). Keep in mind if your starter is engaged and there is power to it, your battery voltage will drop to around 9 volts depending on your engines demand (load) on the starter. The "I" (ignition terminal), like Twisted6 said, sends full power to the coil to fire the plugs as the normal resistor wire drops the voltage too low. Either the ignition switch , the large plug in the fire wall that feeds the starter or any other wire along the path is bad.

My guess is that your firewall plug is bad as I had problems with the same plug on my 62 Chevy II. They get corroded.

Good Luck

Luis

Thank guys.
Now I got the idea on how this works and should be able to find the problem quickly. You guys make alot more sense than the wiring diagrams do! I will check out the connector first.. the owner had this car parked for 9 years untouched.

Clyde