COPO Chevelle start/run problems

COPO PETE · #1 08-13-2011, 04:57 PM

Anyone have that problem before in a car????? When I go to start my Chevelle it fires right up. As soon a it goes to the "run" position, it stalls. If I keep it on the start position, it will run (with the starter engaged) fine. I put in a new switch down the column (the one the rod goes in) and it does the same thing.
Anyone got any ideas??????
Peter

deuce-less · #2 08-13-2011, 05:19 PM

what about replacing the keyed ignition/starter switch itself?

**njsteve** · #3 08-13-2011, 05:40 PM

Is the ignition key switch in the column the original or a new one? (the new ones are notorious for being faulty - like the one i got that had no accessory position).

If this was a mopar, the culprit would be a burned out ballast resistor on the firewall. Does your wiring harness have a ballast wire or a firewall mounted resistor? The ballast wire could have broken at the terminal connection to the coil.

**Dicky** · #4 08-13-2011, 08:16 PM

In my youth (16ish) my 66 chevy II had some extra wire in the firewall gutter. so being the "smart guy" [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img] I shortened it up to a respectable length so it was not doubled up in that gutter. Result was same problem "would start but not run".. Installed ballast resistor with some advice from experienced mech, and learned something about automotive electrics. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif[/img] Sounds like Steve is pointing in the right direction. Dicky [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

**Salvatore** · #5 08-13-2011, 08:48 PM

That happened to my early corvette. Replaced the ignition switch and it was solved. Maybe your wires at the switch are loose?

**SS427** · #6 08-13-2011, 09:24 PM

Definitely the resister wire. They are very fragile and also prone to burning. At least when I have had this same issue on Chevrolets that has always been what the culprit was.

**napa68** · #7 08-14-2011, 12:57 AM

Just recently, had the same thing with a Corvette. Drove it, shut it off for 15 minutes..................and dead. When I jumped the ballast resistor (wire in your case) and shazam! All good again!

Tim

Keith Tedford · #8 08-14-2011, 05:39 AM

When our '69 el Camino did that, in our case, the cure was to replace the ignition switch down near the firewall on top of the steering column. The old wiring could be the problem too and you can give it a good check when you have things apart. Changing out the switch isn't that much of a job. A whole new harness is good fire insurance in these old cars.

**njsteve** · #9 08-14-2011, 03:32 PM

Also,

That igntion switch that mounts on the lower portion of the column has to be adjusted properly to "catch" all the operating positions: acc, off, start, run. If it's installed improperly, or the two tiny monting screws loosen, it can shift out of position, thus preventing the car from running after cranking.

COPO PETE · #10 08-14-2011, 07:06 PM

Thanks for the reply guys. I'll check out the wiring tomorrow. I did put a different switch on the column, but had the same results. But..... if that wire is burned out (resister) why would it run in the "start" position, but no the "run" position????
Peter