Just when I get one issue resolved another rears it's ugly head (welcome to the world of 40 year old cars I guess). Here's the new issue. When I turn the key, the engine turns over, cranks, starts etc...........but as soon as I release the key back to the middle position the car dies. So I try again, sounds like its going to start right up and appears to do so as long as the key is turned all the way forward while I'm starting it. As soon as I let go of the key, it dies. This goes on and on. At one point I turned the key and gave it a little gas (holding the key in the start position) for about 25 seconds. The car remained running the engine continued to crank and the engine sounded like it was running........as soon as I let go of the key, dead! Is this an ignition module issue? That is my first thought. Any ideas. Thanks guys. You all are always a great help.

 

Either the module or the switch it self, my guess is the ignition switch. may be easier and/or cheaper to change out the switch.

 

Ok, I thought since the engine was cranking and it was esentially starting, I could eliminate the ignition switch itself. I thought it was something beyond the switch.

 

My thought, when you move the key to the run position and it dies, it is like turning it off instead of just disengaging the starter. In effect it has turned into a two way switch (on and off) instead of a three way switch ( start, run and off).( actually a 4 way switch, start, run acc. and off.)

 

I think you're right Doug. It's going to be the ignition switch. I talked to a few guys in my local club and they seem to think it's the switch.

 

We traced it to nothing more than a loose wire. The guy that had this car before me hacked up the wiring. I'll probably be going with a new dash wiring harness.

 

oh yeah....wireing is a nightmare in these things becuase most likely, a previous owner has jacked something up.

 

Sorry I'm late to the party here but I wanted to add something to maybe help in the future. You have 4 wires on the starter solenoid. One from battery positive, one to starter, one is energized with the ignition switch to make it crank and the last one is to send full battery voltage to the coil while cranking. Once you stop cranking, power comes to the coil through a resistor wire from the ignition switch. You can verified this with a test light if you ever have this problem again.