Project: 1967 Firebird 326 Rebuild

[JoeliusZ28]

So is this gonna be ready to run 8s at the september no et?

[Lucky SOB]

So is this gonna be ready to run 8s at the september no et?

No, but we did bleed the brakes 2 nights ago. Still haven't had a chance to figure out the starting issue...

[JoeliusZ28]

So whats the status on this bad boy? the duals still hindering progress?

[Lucky SOB]

So whats the status on this bad boy? the duals still hindering progress?

Basically. We tried messing with it last weekend but something was smoking when we turn the key on... Waiting until it warms up so we can look at it outside.

[Lucky SOB]

Tried working on it this weekend... Still can't get it to fire. We've got spark, we've got fuel and it turns over, but won't fire.

Also, can't get it to turn over using the key, only a remote trigger clipped directly to the starter. Thinking we have the starter wired wrong - anyone know exactly how it should be wired? Got any pics?

Also, if anyone has a 1967 Firebird or Camaro they would like to drive over in for comparison, we'd appreciate it.

About ready to throw in the towel and take it to the hot rod shop that painted my car. We have a car tour we're taking it on in early June and would like to get a few hundred miles on it before then.

[JoeliusZ28]

Is the distributor cap 180 off?

[Lucky SOB]

Is the distributor cap 180 off?

That's our other theory. We think we got the distributor in properly, but not 100% confident in that seeing as how it's not firing. Also, may have burned the points.

[1FIRE]

Hi there Fred. Been reading up on your project. nice.

I have a 1967 firebird convert, and also a 1968 firebird convert...................and another 68 400 firebird on its way......................to its new home all the way down here in Australia- Melbourne. Its quite ironic, the 1968 (400) was actually born in Michigan...........thats where the owner bought it new in 1968. Also my uncle lives in Michigan................he actually worked at the ford plant for over 40 years..........manager of the rear end (diff) department I think.
Anyway............I have quite a bit of knowledge regarding 67,68 birds and will try and help if needed...............just ask...........

Last I was in Detroit was in around 2000................sure has changed.....................prior to that was in 1979..................way before you was born!
Good luck with that bird....................

[Lucky SOB]

Hi there Fred. Been reading up on your project. nice.

I have a 1967 firebird convert, and also a 1968 firebird convert...................and another 68 400 firebird on its way......................to its new home all the way down here in Australia- Melbourne. Its quite ironic, the 1968 (400) was actually born in Michigan...........thats where the owner bought it new in 1968. Also my uncle lives in Michigan................he actually worked at the ford plant for over 40 years..........manager of the rear end (diff) department I think.
Anyway............I have quite a bit of knowledge regarding 67,68 birds and will try and help if needed...............just ask...........

Last I was in Detroit was in around 2000................sure has changed.....................prior to that was in 1979..................way before you was born!
Good luck with that bird....................

Thanks so much Claude! If it's not too difficult, could you please post a picture of the starter motor and solenoid wiring? If we can confirm that is done correctly, it would be one more issue off the list.

Thanks in advance!

[ktl711]

FWIW, I have my brother's 1967 Camaro stored in the garage at my house, if you think it might help. I can shoot you some pics to see if there's anything that might help. Let me know.

[Lucky SOB]

FWIW, I have my brother's 1967 Camaro stored in the garage at my house, if you think it might help. I can shoot you some pics to see if there's anything that might help. Let me know.

Is it a running / driving car?

[sman]

Whats a timing light telling you? Have you tried one?

[Lucky SOB]

Whats a timing light telling you? Have you tried one?

Excuse my ignorance with a timing light... only witnessed using one once. But wouldn't the engine need to be running to check the timing with a light?

[ktl711]

Is it a running / driving car?

Ummm, maybe... but it's a total POS. I refer to it (with love) as "The Rolling Dumpster," bless its heart.

[1FIRE]

Hi Fred.
Here are some thoughts. From my reading it sounds like, you have power to the starter(car is cranking over)correct me if I am wrong.
1.Make sure the fuel is getting to the carb...............check the fuel pump........
2.Ensure you have spark at the plugs...........whilst cranking over.......pull out number 1 spark lead and ensure it is sparking..........
3.Check your coil
4.Before you pull the starter, check the purple wire on the solenoid for starting voltage from the ignition switch when in START position.
No voltage, no power going to the solenoid to make it work, meaning voltage to have the solenoid engage the pinion gear into the flywheel ring gear and also providing battery power through the solenoid to energize the motor to turn the engine. You can use a meter or a test light while an assistant turns the key.
If you have voltage, and still does not turn, voltage goes very low on the meter or the test light dims, this means the power, current, is not getting to the solenoid. There is a broken wire or a bad connection from the neutral safety switch or even from the ignition switch. The switch may be good, but the wire(s), all are purple and purple with a white stripe, have to be in good repair for a good current path to the solenoid. Make check the firewall connector to make sure it is making good contact between both halves.
If there is no voltage, an open connection in the purple wires. Another check is the ground cable from the engine to battery post. Another place to check is the horn relay buss bar on the radiator support under the voltage regulator by the washer bottle. You will find a red wire and an orange wire, a fusible link, powering the rest of the electrical system and this buss bar and thse two terminals can get a layer of corrosion unseen to the naked eye. Easiest job to do is disconnect the wires and wire brush all involved and/or connect both wires onto the same screw. This event will allow more power, read current, available for the rest of the electrical system and more power to recharge the battery.
Check to see the solenoid is being commanded to work in START position.
If you have power to the starter (red cable from the battery) but no power to the "s" terminal on the solonoid when you turn the key, you need to trace the wire back towards the battery, using a test light or voltmeter at each connection point. Wire is purple and purple with a white tracer, 12ga after the ignition switch, and red 12ga before the switch. Some of the connection points that come to mind are the bulkhead connector (both sides), the Nuetral safety switch NSS, the ignition switch.
It's not uncommon for the last few inches of the wire just before it reaches the starter to become badly corroded/brittle/broken/pinched etc
If power is making it through the NSS but not to the s terminal- somewhere along the route the wire is worn.broken.
Also check all grounds (batt to block, block to subframe and subframe to body).
Fred , its a process of elimination..........................
Also..................I had a similiar problem on a corvette of mine.......................it had similiar problems.......................the culprit was an intermittent fault..................meaning sometimes it started other times it didnt...............this would be the worst kind of fault to have because its difficult to locate for obvious reasons............however at the end of it all- it was the starter motor.............bushes..............they where on its way out.............
If i ever had the problem again- i would remove the starter- and visually check the bushes............bench starting/testing the starter motor-is not enough...........visually ensure theres plenty of meat on the bushes...................
Let me know how you go.

Thanks so much Claude! If it's not too difficult, could you please post a picture of the starter motor and solenoid wiring? If we can confirm that is done correctly, it would be one more issue off the list.

Thanks in advance!