[sarblade]

I just purchased a 67 Chevelle malibu and intend to pick it up next weekend, the problem the guy has with it is that sometimes it won't start. He puts a battery charger on it and it fires up right away. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. he replaced the battery, however, when he turns the key, not a sound. I think it must be a relay somewhere. I don't think its the starter solenoid, but I could be wrong. Is it the safety switch on the shifter? It has a 350 in it, obviously not the original, and a T350 auto transmission with a quick shift kit in it. Any one know what I should do. I don't have that long of an extension cord for the battery charger, and not everyone wants to boost you. I must travel ~700 miles home with the car. Thanks

 

[John_Muha]

There's no extra relay besides the solenoid in the original wiring.
A little bit of a challenge to try a fix a car that's not in front of you. Since you have to go there knowing there's a problem, won't have time to fix it except small things, then need to drive it 700 miles, I'd say that's brave.
OK, if it was me that had to do it, I'd get a little prepared for the trip with some tools. Prepare to have enough to change out the starter if that acts up. I'm assuming that you will be bringing some booster (jumper) cables with you.
1, Find out something about the battery. Does it have top post or side post terminals. Bring along some sandpaper to be able to clean the terminals and cables. They need to be clean and tight. Also clean the connection where the negative cable screws onto the block. That also needs to be clean and tight. If the negative cable looks ratty, consider changing it.
2, If the car acts up you can jump the solenoid between the large positive terminal and the "S" terminal with a screwdriver (which is in your toolbox). What I would do before I left is make up a special jumper wire. Get about 6 feet of #12 wire and put an eyelet lug on it. Strip the other end of it and cap or tape that end up. When you get there, disconnect the battery and screw the eyelet end on the solenoid "S" (inside) terminal. Use some ties (bring) and run this wire up near the battery. If the key won't start the car you can use this wire to jumper to the battery (+) terminal. Remember when you do this the key must be in the ON position. Also make sure the car is not in gear and the e-brake is set.
3, I would bring a meter. With the engine running, check to see if you have at least 14 volts between the alternator large red wire terminal and ground. If the problem is, the alternator not charging the battery, you won't get far.
4, I would think about buying a battery booster. They will give you at least 1 try at starting the car. If you use it once it pays for itself. Doesn't have to be the expensive one. Get one of the cheaper ones with a light. You may need the light anyway.
http://www.automotive-battery-chargers.com/boosters.html

 

[rthlc]

A long screwdriver or even jack handle can be used in a pinch, but since you've got such a long trip home why not take 15 minutes before you leave and run a length of 12 ga wire from the battery to a push button starter switch and another from the switch to the S terminal. I ran one into my car and mounted it under the dash while troubleshooting a intermittent starting problem (which turned out to be a bad connection in the solenoid new solenoid took care of problem). The switch was such a lifesaver I left it in place in case I ever need it again.

 

[sarblade]

Thanks guys, yes its a liitle brave, but I got a good deal. Had my brother check it out and now to go get it. I have put together a tool kit as a roadside assistant. The jumper you spoke of John is an excellent idea. I had a look at teh tech reference page to know exactly what you are speaking of, infact, its going in the toolbox! I will test the altenator when I get there and replace if necessary. BTW, the fellow I purchased the car from bought it last year here on the island and drove it to Edmonton AB. A year later I'm bringing it back. Seems he really wanted the 67 Camaro instead, and he has that now. I'll let you now how I made out. If I'm on the forum from Edmonton, it'll mean "we gotta problem". Wade

 

[John_Muha]

Good Luck
(John who did Vancouver to Banff, in the Chevelle, in a pouring rainstorm in August).