1972 Chevelle Wont Start - Help

[fishfinder72]

Alright,

My Chevelle is giving me some issues. earlier it would start turning the key but sometimes it would take several attempts at turning the key to engage the starter. Now it does not engage at all. It will turn over by jumping the starter terminals. I have tried to adjust the ignition switch and nothing. The dash lights will light but no click or engage from the starter. I will be getting a new ignition switch this week to try. Any other suggestions?

thanks for the help in advance

[delcecchi]

Bad solenoid? Is it integral with starter, or on fenderwell like old fords?

[Esox_Magnum]

Bad starter cylinoid, it's on the starter I would replace both...Rare case it could be the neutral lockout, if colum shift try pushing up if floor shift rotate the ring on the steering colum counterclockwise...If a 4 speed refer back to starter....

[fishfinder72]

Thanks for the replies. Should I look into replacing the starter instead of the ignition switch? It is an auto on the floor and the neutral lockout is not hooked up.

[Gordie]

pull the starter and have it tested at you local auto parts store. If that is not it it could also be a fuseable link.

[fishfinder72]

Alright I did some more checking on the car. The starter is good and the ignition switch is good. When i turn the key forward to engage the ignition switch it does not have the "strength" to engage. It feels like the rod is giving inside the column. If I engage the switch by hand everything turns over. I am assuming I will need to pull the steering wheel and go inside the column at this point?

[Macgyver55]

If I remember correctly the neutral lockout is usually a linkage that connects to the column and causes the key to not be able to turn when it is in gear. If you can understand my description, try grabbing the lower collar on the column (where the shifter would be if it were a column shift). and turn it as if you are putting it in park, the ignition should work then .....unless it is no longer adjusted properly.

[PurpleFloyd]

Great car. The first car I bought myself out of High School was a 72 Chevelle SS and it is still the favorite vehicle I have ever owned. What motor do you have in it?

It could possibly be a linkage problem that you are having, I have also seen some issues that act like you are talking about when there are issues with the flywheel

[fishfinder72]

The key will turn freely but the rod that goes from the key to the ignition switch under the dash does not seem to be pushing hard enough to engage the switch. Its like it gives inside the column by the key instead of pushing force on the ignition switch enough to engage the starter.

I currently have a 383 Stroker in it. My Chevelle is also my first car. Although it was over 30 years old when I bought it

[Macgyver55]

Did you try turning the collar on the column before turning the key?

If you have it disconnected it may have turned slightly so it's not allowing the actuator rod to move freely, or you may have broken the small cast aluminum piece that connects to the ignition tumbler.

Is this a stationary or a tilt column?

[fishfinder72]

I will be headed to the shop after work to try turning the collar. It is not a tilt column. I feel the aluminum piece may be the culprit but I will see what happens tonight. Thanks for the help!

[fishfinder72]

I tried moving the collar and still have no luck. the actuator rod moves enough to light the dash lights up but does not push far enough to engage the starter. The ignition switch is moved as far up as it can be.

Do I need to now go into the column itself by removing the steering wheel? If so what will I find / be looking for?

thanks for the help.