Occasionally wont start - just dead

[The73vetteman]

I'm looking for advice as to where I should start. Just occasionally I get in, turn the key, and - nothing. No click from the solenoid, nothing. Although the Parking Brake light does come on (I have a 4spd so I use the PB.)
I'll curse once, turn the key again and it'll start up smooth as anything.

I'm guessing its electrical (fairly obviously, I think) but is it a solenoid fault or something in the ignition switch?

All suggestions gratefully received.
'73

 

[dman]

had the same typ prob with my 69 . used 1000 cca bat . then cleaned all grounds . as per bat neg to frame .and neg to starter . as well as pos conecton to solinod .found grounds to be dirty and pos conection loose and black at solinod ..after this no more probs .....

 

[Fishman]

I'll curse once, turn the key again and it'll start up smooth as anything.

Try cursing before the first turn.

Sorry for that. The very first thing I check are the battery connections on both ends... strange things happen when they are even the slight bit loose. Also check the hot wire into the distributor... I had the same symptoms you list and it was as simple as the wire had come somewhat loose... it just clicked into place.

 

[dman]

1973 points dist . no hot wire at dist only neg side of coil wire ....

 

[Fishman]

Oops... guess that why it's good to have more than two members in a forum. Thanks... I forgot.

 

[wallyknoch]

Check the engine ground!

 

[dman]

[QUOT E=wallyknoch]Check the engine ground![/QUOTE] is it moving !!!!!!!!!

 

[wallyknoch]

[QUOT E=wallyknoch]Check the engine ground!

is it moving !!!!!!!!![/QUOTE]
Small amounts of corrosion at the block can cause this problem. Take it loose and clean it and then reattach back to the engine. As far as moving, I doubt it, it`s not going anywhere, :L.

 

[dman]

only haveing fun or pun with the word gound .. . as to say is the earth moving

 

[wallyknoch]

You have to be careful not to offend anyone from California, {La La Land} the ground out there is always moving.