[Cruzn64]

1964 El Camino SS stock 283 2 bbl. Converted years ago to 4 speed. The battery appears to be at full voltage. Problem: Will not start. Key on, idiot lites on, when you go to start the solenoid clicks but starter will not turn over. It appears to suck the current from the battery that is the lights dim. Sometimes the starter will attempt to turn over but not long enough to start. The problem appears to have started after it was painted and the dash removed and cleaned up. It will run for a couple of days or weeks and then just won’t start again. Eventually it does start again and I go back through this cycle of trying to find the problem. It ran for 3 weeks after the starter was replaced, that was the 1st thing replaced. Then I replaced the ignition switch and the battery and have not been able to get it to restart. Is there anything else I should be checking?

 

[John_Muha]

How's the negative battery cable connection to the engine? One place to look. Maybe the neutral safety switch (automatic?) acting up.

 

[Cruzn64]

Battery connnection are good replaced both. This was converted from a column 3speed manual to a 4 speed, there should not be a netural switch.

 

[John_Muha]

Still scratching for an easy answer. How was the NSS removed? Were the two purple wires under the dash soldered together?

 

[Cruzn64]

I was under the impression that in 64 the NSS was only an option for the automatic. The wiring harness for the manual should either be different or done at the factory ti eliminate the NSS.RMP35 option. I did not have to remove the switch or reconnect any wires when the 4 speed was installed.

 

[John_Muha]

You're correct. I'm just reading too fast.
When it won't crank do you see 12 volts on the solenoid purple wire? Try measuring that by using a clip lead to a meter while someone turns the key. Might want to pull a coil lead while under there.
Either way also try shorting the purple solenoid lead to the large battery cable to try and engage the solenoid & starter.
Both of these tests should narrow down the problem to see if it's starter related or something back farther with the ignition switch and wiring coming from there. Sort of a what works or what doesn't work type of approach.

 

[Cruzn64]

I am going to try that this weekend. Could be that the replacement starter has gone south.!! Not much time to work on the ElC after work.

 

[John_Muha]

Perhaps. Or perhaps the purple solenoid wire isn't getting 12 volts. Use a screwdriver to short the purple wire to the large battery cable when you do that test.

 

[Cruzn64]

Sorry it took so long to get back . It appears that I needed more shims when the starter was installed. Has been running all month without andy problems. Thanks for the advice.