[V8] [Bulk] Pearl car lives again...

[urq]

... I think I mentioned this before, but the automatic transmission V8s have
an interlock that prevents engagement of the starter when the transmission
is not in the proper gear.  I'm pretty sure the alarm also has the ability
to disable the starter as well.  The alarm connection is no big deal, but
your ad hoc starter circuit will override any neutral safety interlock,
which might not be such a good thing ... I'd recommend that you make any
prospective buyers of your modification.  

A voltmeter can be key in troubleshooting this sort of problem ... and if
you can't read the wiring diagrams it would be a good idea to hook up with
someone who can.  It is crazy to hear that you spent 2 hours removing a
starter which appears to be in great shape (jumpering +12 to the starter
terminal proved the starter was probably OK).  

Steve Buchholz

-----Original Message-----

Hey, Pearl '93 has been sitting for 3-4 months since it's  
intermittent starter issue became chronic.  The starter was recently  
rebuilt, and when it still had intermittent issues, I rigged up a  
separate wire on the switch wire(ala Tony) that I could touch to the  
positive lead in the engine compartment and start...well It just  
sparked when I did that(months ago) and put it off till today....When  
ordering parts for other stuff, I ordered a new ignition switch($7  
and says Meyle) and that wasn't the culprit.  Today I pulled the  
starter once again(21 minutes out, 1.5 hrs to get the upper starter  
bolt to go in(#$@!^)...Starter tested fine....Decided to not  
reinstall switch wire, but to just have my jumper(had them both  
connected before), and when I touched it to the positive terminal in  
engine bay...sparked right up.  So I'm thinking the wire from my  
ignition switch to the starter is grounding somewhere.  I had also  
put in a new relay, but for the sake of testing, I jumpered the relay  
terminals also....not the problem.  I was planning on running a new  
wire from the switch,directly to the switch connector on the  
starter.  Im not totally sure how the relay is wired into this, 
(wiring diagrams are like IRS forms to me), but think a direct wire  
should solve the problem....I'm just getting it test drivable to sell  
it, as it's still too nice to part out.  Hope all are enjoying the  
summer....Tom