65 Electrical problem

[Steven Ramer]

I have a 1965 Convertible, 327ci, 250hp. The car had new electrical harnesses installed about 5 years ago.
Im currently in the process of doing some needed repairs to the car and found the wire going from the coil to the "R" terminal on the starter melted. When I inspected the original harness I removed from the car, it also showed signs of overheating.

Anybody expierenced this before? If so, whats the cause and fix.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[JohnZ]

I'd look for loose/stuck contacts inside the starter solenoid (which is where the power comes from for that wire); it's only designed to carry a full 12 volts to the coil during cranking. Another possibility is that it's chafed or cut somewhere between the coil and the solenoid, usually by the ignition shielding's sharp edges; that would dead-short it to ground and fry it, although that should also fry the other 18-ga. black/purple wire from the coil (+) terminal back to the ignition switch.

 

[Steven Ramer]

John,

Thanks for the reply. You are on the same track as the Chevy dealer I spoke with today. I've already purchased a new starter to go back in when the car goes back together and I'll do a few checks with a DVM to verify porper operation at that time.

Thanks again,
Steve