After a few weeks of not using my Cutlass, I tried to start it, it would only crank but would not start. We pulled a plug wire and got no spark. Then ran a jumper wire from the battery to the BATT terminal on the HEI. It will start and run with this jumper wire. This eliminates a number of concerns in my mind, since it runs. How do I isolate the problem? Any help is appreciated.

 

Check the Batt wire for voltage with a meter. Go inside above the steering column to the ignition switch find the Batt wire and check for voltage at the switch to the wire. If voltage present check the wire with a meter for continuity. If no voltage at switch it's likely a bad ignition switch, honestly a low failure rate item.

Do other items e.g., blower motor work?

Good luck!!!

 

Apparently you're missing voltage at the coil+ (batt terminal) during start and/or run ign key positions. You need to figure where it's dropping off.

 

Thank you for the road map. I will check it out.

 

If you get battery voltage at the distributor end of the BATT wire try to tighten the connection at that terminal/connection.

Good luck!!!

 

Buy a factory service manual if you don't already have one. They can be found on line. Make sure it is an original not a copy or reprint. Use the wiring diagram and component locator to trace the distributor feed circuit. The service manual will show you the wire color, the routing of wire, and any connectors and their locations. If I remember correctly there is only one switch, and no relays. It's actually a simple circuit that is easy to trace if you have the correct information. Use a test light to trace the circuit and find out where you are losing power. If you can PM me a copy of the wiring diagram I can help you trace the circuit.

 

Mr. King, thank you. I will take a shot at troubleshooting with the diagram. If I have no luck, I will send you a screen shot of the wiring. Thanks again

 

The wiring diagram was a big help to solve the problem. We dropped the steering column to get to the ignition switch. We wiggled the pink wire, attached a test light and it lit up. Gave it a try and it fired up. We situated the wires so they were not so snug in the area above the column. Tested it before and after re-placing the column and success. Thank you for the help.

 

Good to hear you solved the problem. Thanks for the follow up, it may help others with a similar problem.