Need help with 84 electrical

[elkabong]

confusedconfusedconfused

I have a 84. I just installed a ported manifold and 1.6 rockers. After the install of the parts. I was ready to fire her up, hooked up the battery and gave the key a turn, there was a slight crank and then she went dead. I checked the fuses in the fuse panel and all are good. I checked voltages passed the fusable links by the brake booster and all is fine - 12v. I have voltage going to the alternator and to the distributor. The lights in the hood are off and the dash does not light up. The car is basically dead. If I had pinched a wire or something I would have expected the car to show some sign but not total darkness. I understand the basics for electrical stuff. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JonM]

Check the wires going to the starter solenoid. 20 years of heat (the wires are very close to the exhaust system) can make the wire coating brittle and corrode the wires. Their is also 2 wires (grounds) bolted to the back of the head near the distributor.G129 and G161

 

[elkabong]

I thought about that. My only thought is that I was not anywhere near the starter only up top. I will jack her up tomorrow and take a peak. Are the wires for the starter in the harness that runs towards the firewall?

Do you know if there is a wiring diagram or shows the actual layout of the wires? Not a schematic but a diagram.

Thanks

 

[JonM]

Hold on...I'll scan you one...its only one small wire and the one large cable running to the starter.

 

[JonM]

 

[6speeder]

From your post, the only thing you have done is disconnected the batt. My first concern would be the tightness of the cables to the batt post. Re-check your batt cables for corrosion and a tight connection. You may read voltage to engine components without having the necessary amperage flowing to the starter, if the cables are not secure to the batt post.

Not having any dash lights could mean that current is not available through the ignition, which is consistant with the starter not responding.

(1) Check your cables...(2) try using a second ignition key...(3) turn the ignition "on" and check for voltage at the interior fuse panel.

If still in the "dark", report back, and we can try some other simple tests.

 

[elkabong]

Thanks guys. I will have more data tomorrow after work.

 

[geekinavette]

Jim, that main power cable from the batt to the starter runs right across the top of the bell housing (and it's black...go figure). Jack that thing up and check out the starter connections real good. Also check the main battery to engine ground connection.

 

[elkabong]

:J

You folks are not going to believe this. I went out this morning to check the voltage to the fuse panel with my trusty volt meter. I hooked up the battery (pos side) and decided to check the negative side and it was loose so I snugged it down - 1/2 turn. And there was LIFE! My son disconnected the battery when we started our little adventure Saturday, he started on the negative side of the battery - I noticed this and I informed him to disconnect the positive side as well which he did. Apparently he did not tighten the negative side back down. Of course dumb ol dad did not check it either last night when we tried to fire her up. :duh I turned the key and varoom. I even have the timing close. I have the IACs disconnected becasue I don't want the idle to race high initially. I still need to do the final adjustment on the valves and TB balance which will happen today.

My thanks to everyone for the quick responses - this forum truely a cool place.

 

[JonM]

Glad you got it fixed...however, I think your son is correct...every manual I have read says to disconnect the negative battery cable. How do you like your crow prepared?

 

[elkabong]

Lots of garlic. ;worship

 

[geekinavette]

Your son is indeed correct in disconnecting the negative side first as a general rule. Why: negative ground. By disconnecting the negative first if you accidentally touch the frame/body...etc with the wrench while it is in contact with the battery post, nothing will happen if you are on the negative post first.

Bill

 

[elkabong]

I miss spoke (typed). Not sure what I was thinking. I had him disconnect both terminals. Because of the brittle wires I wanted to make sure there where not connections. Yes you start with the negative and be real careful with the positive. His girlfriend was here when we were working on the vette - he was a little distracted.

 

[JonM]

His girlfriend was here when we were working on the vette - he was a little distracted.

 

[elkabong]

Are you saying you want a pic of my son's girlfriend? She may have issues with that.