Eletrical problem

Steve Riley · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2005, 08:19 PM

Do any of you know of anyone in the Toledo, Oh area that would be willing to come to my place and help me get any electrical bugs out of my E-M? Of course I would be willing to pay for this assistance, I am just at wits end over getting this done and my engine running.
I obviously just don't know enough about wiring to figure out whats wrong and I could just scream. The wiring is all in but there is something wrong since the engine won't start now. I did have it running at one point.
If anyone knows someone who can help I'd be glad to talk to them and see what we can do to get this mess straightened out.
Thanks for any thing or help you can offer,
Steve

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-24-2005, 06:18 AM

Steve,

I am obviously not close enough to come help you, but maybe if you could post a little more information about the problem, some of us could help you via the posts. For instance you said the motor was running. Did you make any changes or anything? You say it won't start now. Does it even sound like it is trying to? It could be something as simple as a loose connection, bad unit if you are using an MSD or other type ignition box, or even crossed plug wires or timing if you have did anything with these. Sorry I can't give you more, but I am sure there are people closer to you that will be able to get you going soon.

Ron

Steve Riley · #3 (**permalink**) 06-24-2005, 12:05 PM

Thanks Ron,
I used E-M's wiring harness with the changes that included using a Mallory MSD ignition box, and a starter motor from Summit that included its own solenoid. Installation directions called for switching the wires on the firewall mounted solenoid. The wire from the dash solenoid to the starter switched sides to be on the same side as the battery cable, and a 14 GA wire took its place going down to the ignition post of the solenoid at the starter motor.
Fired the motor up, started on the second turn of the key, and after about 15 seconds the wire on the battery side of the firewall solenoid going to the alternator overheated and started smoking like crazy! Shut it down, looked at it a couple times, called E-M, checked diagrams and had alternator tested. A new alternator. It checked out bad and I replaced it. New alternator in place, turned key to "on" and flipped switch for fuel pump. Nothing. Turned key to start. Nothing....I really don't know what to do from here, my electrical know how isn't that high, but the car is almost done! If I can fix this problem I should be all set for painting.
Thanks Ron
Steve