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June Sprints - looking for help with a starting problem

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#1
Tom Sager

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Took the ’95 to alignment shop today and also asked them to also replace the starter motor which has been weak for a while, didn’t like to start when hot.  No battery issues.  I’ve started the car cold 10 times in the last 2 weeks including twice early today with old starter. Went to pick up car tonight with new starter motor installed and it won’t start.  No activity from starter when turning the key.  Cranks fine though if you jump the starter with a screwdriver.  Spent 2 hours at this shop tonight with the tech checking voltage throughout the circuit and with phone help from Ralph Provitz at home by phone.  Thank you Ralph!  It appears that ignition switch and clutch switch are ok.  Clutch switch still in place but we bypassed it.  Voltage to spade wire at starter seems to be low though, 4 volts only?  Shop closed tonight and they will only have limited time in the AM to work on this further.  They are very busy.

 

I don’t want to cancel my entry for the weekend and I don’t want to push start or screwdriver start car all weekend either.  If there is any chance any of the teams or otherwise capable people can work on the Thursday afternoon or Friday at the track, let me know.  Will certainly pay the going rate.  I know the teams are likely very busy but the best people to fix this are probably at the track and I hate wiring issues. 

 

We’re going to make some more effort in the AM but after tonight I’m not confident it’ll be solved before I load the car Thursday AM. 


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#2
callumhay

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Hi Tom
My experience may not be applicable to what u have going on but it might help. I had an electrical issue with my 1990 that took forever to diagnose. Intermittent would not start. Did starter and other typical things including ignition switch. Turned out it was the wiring harness connector to the ignition switch that was fried. The plastic between the spade connectors was melted. Was really difficult to see and ended up diagnosing it by disconnecting the plug and taking picture with my phone. For a while I ran a hot wire from the battery and one from the small terminal in the starter. I would touch the wires together as the momentary part of firing up the car.(after turning on ignition) You might be able to do that to get the car to start. Hope this helps. Cal

#3
Tom Sager

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Hi Tom
My experience may not be applicable to what u have going on but it might help. I had an electrical issue with my 1990 that took forever to diagnose. Intermittent would not start. Did starter and other typical things including ignition switch. Turned out it was the wiring harness connector to the ignition switch that was fried. The plastic between the spade connectors was melted. Was really difficult to see and ended up diagnosing it by disconnecting the plug and taking picture with my phone. For a while I ran a hot wire from the battery and one from the small terminal in the starter. I would touch the wires together as the momentary part of firing up the car.(after turning on ignition) You might be able to do that to get the car to start. Hope this helps. Cal

Appreciate that.  Will get another look at it in the AM. 


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#4
Bench Racer

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Tom, Dave Wheeler or Tom Fowler. Tom and OPM team are spending tonight in Champaign, ILL. Presume Tom will arrive at RA Wed. Was at Kenny Kannard this evening and he spoke with Tom this evening. Looked in my phone for Tom's number and I have his cell which I will pm to you.  If this number is old and not working I could get Tom's cell from Kenny in the am and pass it on to you.


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#5
chris haldeman

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Tom, myself,fowler,and wheeler will all be in the turn 14 Lester building starting tomorrow evening as soon as they let us in. I am sure between us we can make it work!
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#6
Tom Sager

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Thanks for the offers and info to help.  Just left shop and we found a problem in small wire to starter.  We checked that last night but missed it.  Their tech came in early to work on it.  Will be fixed this AM. 


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#7
luvin_the_rings

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gotta love the community of SM. You guys are so supportive.  This is why I love SM racing. 


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