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not starting after a rewire and 12v conversion

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by adem, Aug 6, 2012.

  1. adem
    Joined: Oct 16, 2005
    Posts: 62

    adem
    Member
    from Australia

    Im wondering if someone can help me, Ive just rewired (and converted to 12v) my 49 chevy. But I think Ive got something wrong.

    starter turns over
    headlights/dashlights/tailights work
    horn works

    But

    no spark when I check the plugs against the block
    also the starter button still works when the key is in the "off" position
    None of the dash gauges react when ignition is turned on

    The ignition switch has nothing connected to the lower terminal (as per wiring diagram) but there was a wire on there when I pulled it out (not sure where it went it was already cut. The 2nd terminal is connected directly to the BAT on the alternator (used to be voltage regulator) and the 3rd terminal is connected to the positive on the coil, DA plug on the alternator and gas gauge.

    Is there something Im missing ? Im a little lost
     
  2. Oldsmell
    Joined: Jul 17, 2012
    Posts: 48

    Oldsmell
    Member

    sounds like you don't have the ignition hooked up right. The coil + needs to be hooked up to the battery + in order to work. The ignition switch just breaks that connection so the car can be turned off ( and the coil doesn’t fry). Make sure with the key "on" you have 12v + at the positive + on the coil. The distributor pulses the negative on the coil....as long as the breakers, HEI, or ignition in general is working correctly you should check for + at coil first. Starter should be hooked up on "ignition on" position on key switch. You have the starter hooked up to constant or "battery", and you missed something with the coil. Get a meter or test light and start learning how the switches work. Call me if you need help 763-280-4785
     
  3. adem
    Joined: Oct 16, 2005
    Posts: 62

    adem
    Member
    from Australia

    just noticed that the fuse on the BAT wire coming from the alternator and going to the ignition switch is blown. Any idea what would cause that ? Im guessing if I just replace it its just going to blow again ?
     
  4. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 35,485

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Shorting a wire would most likely be the cause of the blown fuse.

    I thought I had a simple wiring diagram that showed the basic circuits but I can't find it right now. That because I'm pretty sure you need to figure out how to do a bit or rewiring to make things work.
     
  5. adem
    Joined: Oct 16, 2005
    Posts: 62

    adem
    Member
    from Australia

    just replaced the fuse and it seems fine, I think the fuse was blown from the previous wiring (original, really bad, frayed everywhere and shorted so the car would start) thats why I did the rewiring. But just never checked that fuse.
     
  6. Sorry to hijack adem, just wondering did you use new style wire or traditional/original style wire? I am about to rewire my '49 Caddy and am hoping to find a local supplier of the original styles wire.
     
  7. davidbistolas
    Joined: May 21, 2010
    Posts: 960

    davidbistolas
    Member

    From the other forum thread, he's using a kit - 12 Circuit EZ. I'm doing the rewire on my '51 from scratch, but I'm just using "modern" wire.

    Adem - I think you need to

    (a) http://learn.adafruit.com/multimeters/ < I'm not trying to be rude, but this is essential to debugging your circuit.

    (b) check the schematic. We can probably help here- if you scan the schematic and post it. Providing EZ wire supplied this to you.

    (c) Have you contacted EZ Wire for tech support?
     
  8. tommy
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 14,757

    tommy
    Member Emeritus

    JFYI 49 Chevy's always would turn over with the starter button even with out a key.
     
  9. Thanks davisbistolas
     
  10. adem
    Joined: Oct 16, 2005
    Posts: 62

    adem
    Member
    from Australia

    Hi Guys, sorry I missed coming back to this thread yesterday. Thanks Tommy, my wife just reminded me actually that I had on occasion scratched my head wondering why the car wouldn't start, because I hadn't actually turned the key. So yeah the starter will turn over without a key. Wiring is all sorted now except that I am still dealing with turn signals. They are working, but having wired them up has eliminated the brake switch working. 49cadi have you checked brillman ? I have gotten cloth covered wires from them (that I used on my bike) and cloth covered housings as well (that I used to hide the ugly modern wiring from the EZ Wiring kit)
     
  11. I hadn't adem, but appreciate the tip - will have a look at their site now. Thanks
     

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