The Newbie Forum The place where you should introduce yourself. Do not ask technical questions here, use the site forum sections.

71 cutlass won't start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 09:22 PM
  #1  
71ray's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 10
71 cutlass won't start

Having a problem, can start car when it is cold but after car has been driven when I turn it if it won't start back up until the car cools back down wich seems to be for a few hours. Can somebody point me in the direction of what may be causing this issue had to get towed home yesterday because I went 2 miles to gas station got gas and car would not turn over. Please help
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 09:26 PM
  #2  
oldcutlass's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 42,496
From: Poteau, Ok
If it won't crank, it may be corroded wiring, bad solenoid, bad starter, thats where would start.
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 09:38 PM
  #3  
71ray's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 10
Thanks for the reply oldcutlass I will look into those things can you tell me a way to check the selenoid and the starter without makin a visit to the shop and what would be a ballpark price to replace the wireing in the engine bay because it does seem to be a little brittle but never have had this problem till a week ago?
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 09:56 PM
  #4  
oldstata's Avatar
Justin
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,454
From: utah
Does it crank ?? If yes , Do you have spark ?

If it just clicks a quick check is tap the seloniod with a hammer and see if it turns over .
started my truck this way for a year before I decided to get a starter lol

Last edited by oldstata; Apr 11, 2013 at 10:00 PM.
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 10:01 PM
  #5  
71ray's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 10
Yes it does crank but won't turn over
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 10:04 PM
  #6  
oldstata's Avatar
Justin
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,454
From: utah
If its cranking / turning over starter is good

I would check for spark and move from there
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 10:11 PM
  #7  
71ray's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 10
Ok will check spark because it will turn every time just won't start after car is hot just keep turning till battery drains is basically
Old Apr 12, 2013 | 06:15 AM
  #8  
oldcutlass's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 42,496
From: Poteau, Ok
We can address the wiring in a bit. Ok, it cranks, so my earlier post is null. Do you have points or electonic ignition?

Either way, you will need to verify if you have a good spark and fuel when you pump the gas, when it won't start. Also check your choke, make sure it's opening all the way when the engine is warmed up.
Old Apr 12, 2013 | 09:52 AM
  #9  
joe_padavano's Avatar
Old(s) Fart
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,803
From: Northern VA
Originally Posted by 71ray
Yes it does crank but won't turn over
Let's back up. To most people, "crank" and "turn over" mean the same thing, namely that the starter motor turns the engine at a sufficient speed for it to start (if fuel and spark are provided). Does the starter turn the engine or not?
Old Apr 12, 2013 | 09:59 AM
  #10  
brown7373's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,124
From: Fort Pierce, FL
Is it cranking at normal speed? A corroded terminal or a bad ground prevents sufficient power to crank the engine fast enough to start it. I have had corrosion get into the cable wire strands, under ther insulation (so it didn't show) and it caused enough resistance in the cable to cause slow cranking and hard starting, especially when warmed up.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
stevengerard
Electrical
14
Sep 10, 2014 03:17 PM
Paul Deckon
Electrical
5
Apr 24, 2012 09:20 AM
Jonmueller1
Electrical
10
Jan 29, 2012 06:59 PM
Salmonking
Electrical
2
Jun 14, 2011 10:20 AM
stingjim
The Newbie Forum
5
Apr 4, 2011 03:01 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:32 AM.