[freeman437]

As the story goes...I have a 1967 Pontiac Beaumont with a 350 sbc v-8 from a 74 camaro. The problem is this...If I charge the battery up(new battery), the car starts right away...but after a short drive the car will not start unless I jumper the contacts between the starter and solenoid. This is the same for warm or cold weather. The alternator is brand new and a meter test at the battery confirms the charging system is working. I have replaced the neutral switch on the column as well. What's the solution, short of replacing the wiring and ignition switch at the dash?

[poncho62]

My 62 Pontiac tends to do the same thing at times. It's a combination of heat on the solenoid and older wiring. I ran 12 volts from the battery to a spring loaded toggle switch and to the solenoid. When it acts up, I use that switch. Sometimes, I have to turn the ignition switch and hit the toggle at the same time.

The pic in your journal show headers...........source of most of the heat. a heat sheid may help.

[67 Deuce 4 Me]

We see that alot at the shop. The voltage to the starter sol start wire get low,old wiring and switches etc.I simply wire a relay up to the starter and use the start wire for my signal, put the load wire on the starter start post.the other one to the battery, and ground it at the starter somewhere.Works every time!

[freeman437]

what sort of spring loaded toggle switch should I use..can you send a small diagram

[docvette]

Doc here,

You may want to consider changing the starter solenoid itself.

The Coil activation Contacts (The "S" Terminal internally) May be pitted mis~aligned, or the energize coil windings may just have some broken down insulation, requiring more power to activate the plunger..or the plunger May actually be sticky.

To do as Deuce Suggested will require a relay AND/OR an extra Switch (if you want a separate one at all) the relay Wired , relay coil to ground, the other wire relay coil to the existing "Start" wire through a 5 amp fuse on to the existing "S" wire from the solenoid..so when you hit start with the key, the relay goes "Click"

Then the contacts, Normally open contact (N.O.) to a fused or linked 12 volt battery source (the Battery or Big bolt on the starter) then the Center wiper (C.W.)(movable contact) to the "S" terminal on the solenoid...

This configuration Will deliver More current to the solenoid coil..enabling it to activate where it wouldn't before..

However , My opinion is that something is WRONG with the solenoid itself and that needs addressing..rather than modification to make it too operate.

If the contacts are pitted, connections are loose, or plunger sticky or coil insulation braking down, you should replace the solenoid.... after all..the stocker didn't need a relay...you shouldn't either.. and better now than in the desert 250 miles away from anywhere you couldn't order parts from anyways ... ( I grin cuz my sis lives in just that town..and Bro in law makes a killing Driving TowTruck!...

Your Call on that one..I think a replacement solenoid is somewheres between $7 and $12 bucks...

Doc

[freeman437]

Thanks for the advice...it's a strange problem..about a year long now...I will change the solenoid and also look at replacing the ignition. Short of taking it to a shop...The car was a heinz 57 makeover when I purchased...has an aluminum custom dash with Stewart Warner gauges, so I know what to expect under the dash...a mess. The car, being Canadian is part Pontiac/Chev/Chevelle/GTO/Tempest. The ignition is 66-67 Pontiac. Have to find a replacement. /mkf