Desperately need ignition switch help

[So Cal Mark]

if the starter is dragging, it could be pulling over 500amps. When the starter kept running, it probably burned up the field coils.
I've got the new gear reduction starters in stock, only weigh 8lbs, faster cranking rpm than the oem starter

[tonyfromjersey]

Okay, I will try swapping batteries, but it's Back to School night for my son so I have to go and feign interest for a little while. I'll pull the battery out of wife's Lexus when she gets home.

Thanks for the advice, I have some places to look. Another friend of mine who restores old Porsches thinks it's the starter as he had a similar issue with his car. He said the same thing about field coils, etc. I will try battery swap and go from there.

[punes]

I am suffering the same issue right now. I have rechecked my brown wire fix, swapped ignition switch and fully charged with a trickle charger my battery. I get a slow turning of the motor when ignition is cranked...as I depress accelerator it turns quicker and eventually starts.....starting after that is a breeze until it sits for a while.

I had this issue and others before I did my headlight relay and brown wire fix and a new battery and regulator, last year.

Battery has proper voltage as does the alternator..
Best thought is to put a different battery in leave it overnight and check its cranking.

Any other ideas????

79 Fiat Spider Carbed

[mbouse]

sounds like you may have a drain on the battery. something is sucking down considerable juice from the battery when the vehicle sits for a day or two.

i discovered last year that my satellite transceiver sucked down CONSIDERABLE amounts of power when left on overnight. if i let the car sit more than 36-48 hours with that unit on, i was barely able to start the car.

and.... trickle chargers are NOT designed to test batteries. at best, they are SUPPOSED to be used to "top off" a fully charged, idle battery. if used as a battery charger.....they take DAYS to accompish this task.

[So Cal Mark]

trying to diagnose electrical problems without a voltmeter is like playing a slot machine; most of the time you lose

[tonyfromjersey]

Buying a 31 yr old Italian car on Craigslist is like playing craps, but I did that too.

I have been at work all weekend but will try battery swap tonight and also will get myself voltmeter after work. I think I have about 4 good weeks of driving season left and car is sitting in garage gathering dust.

[danaspider]

punes, just of interest in your slow turn. Since you said it will start if you push the accelerator down. Have you been playing with your timing? I know that when I changed my distributor, I got the initial setting off a little and saw a similar issue. The timing was just far enough off to be fighting the turn over.

Just an idea.

[punes]

I hve not made any adjustments....but come to think about it, the motor is idleing a bit fast...maybe the screw loosened and changed the timing....

Which way to turn the distributor cap to slow the idle?? Is that my plan of attack for now?

[danaspider]

I wouldn't just turn the dizy. Put a timing light on the car and see where you actually are and go from there.

Wish I could remember which way was the right way, but getting old I guess. Timing light answers all.

[punes]

Found my problem...it was the battery....just goes to show you...not even a 1 year old battery...always charged as needed...but it just didnt have the juice to crank...It was replaced with a new one under warranty and voila ...all is fine.

At least I cleaned up a few electrical areas that needed to be tended to.

What seems suspicious is that last year I had a fried regulator and battery after trickle charging...and now this year again battery issues after trickle charging...

Anyone have any suspicious encounters like this?

Frank
79 Fiat Spider

[baltobernie]

All "trickle chargers" are not created equal. Some will not shut completely Off, and even a small amout of continuous current will eventually ruin a battery. Models designed to maintain a charged battery are suitable for long-term use. Or install a battery disconnect; who needs radio presets and a clock, anyway?

[mbouse]

right, bernie. some are maintainers... and some are slow chargers. different intended applications.

[punes]

The one I was using was suppose to shut off when charged and turn itself on as the battery required...but I now believe that it is not working that way....I paid extra for that model as well.

Bought it 2 years ago, but I will try to exchange it .

79 Spider