Cuda Dies?

[badcbr]

So I'm looking for some thoughts, just installed the new motor and everything run great.  EXCEPT, after it warms up, it just dies.  Power going to the starter and solenoid but not cranking.  Everything works, I.E. lights, radio, etc...

Thoughts?

[badcbr]

And it's a 73 340

[burdar]

Start at the base of the steering column.  Check to make sure you have power at the correct wires coming from the ignition switch.  Here is a diagram of the ignition switch and what function each color serves.  Start at the steering column connector and work your way into the engine compartment. 

Power going to the starter and solenoid but not cranking.

Also note, that if you have an automatic, the yellow wire will not send power to the starter relay unless the shifter is in park or neutral.  Check to make sure you are fully engaged in park.  If the adjustment is off, you might not be completing the circuit.  Try starting the car in neutral.  If you have a manual trans, I believe the clutch pedal needs to be depressed.  If there is a problem with the clutch safety switch, the yellow wire will not power the starter relay.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have seen the pick up coil inside the dist quit with heat

[73440]

Start at the base of the steering column.  Check to make sure you have power at the correct wires coming from the ignition switch.  Here is a diagram of the ignition switch and what function each color serves.  Start at the steering column connector and work your way into the engine compartment. 



Also note, that if you have an automatic, the yellow wire will not send power to the starter relay unless the shifter is in park or neutral.  Check to make sure you are fully engaged in park.  If the adjustment is off, you might not be completing the circuit.  Try starting the car in neutral.  If you have a manual trans, I believe the clutch pedal needs to be depressed.  If there is a problem with the clutch safety switch, the yellow wire will not power the starter relay.

I like that wiring diagram , tried looking up that website, no luck.
Is that wiring diagram and others like it available elsewhere from that company ?

[burdar]

I was just looking for a wiring diagram of how the ignition switch works.  I "googled" it and that picture showed up.  I copied it for future reference.

[340challconvert]

Helpful diagram
Thank you for posting

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

When you say it dies, do you mean the engine quits after it warms up and won't crank after that, or that it just won't crank if you shut it off??

If it's the 'won't crank' kind, I've had starters that won't spin after engine warms them up... contactor inside corrodes, or plunger expands so won't engage bendix...

If it's the engine quits kind, look into ignition as mentioned above...

[burdar]

The way he worded his post, I assumed he has two problems.  The car died once it warmed up AND now it doesn't even crank.

Rule out shifter adjustment being the cause of the no crank.  Then start with checking the wiring.  Both problems might be related...maybe not.

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

The way he worded his post, I assumed he has two problems.  The car died once it warmed up AND now it doesn't even crank.

Rule out shifter adjustment being the cause of the no crank.  Then start with checking the wiring.  Both problems might be related...maybe not.

Burdar - Yes, the wording indicated that, but I didn't want to assume anything... it could also be a funky engine ground losing contact when engine heats up... you can measure power to stuff, but actual circuits won't complete... it depends on if meter is grounded to engine when measured, or direct to battery with meter ground lead...

[badcbr]

Yes, it seems to be a two fold problem but could be one in the same issue, it started just fine and then once it ran for a little while it just died.  Everything still works, lights, radio, etc...  I let it sit for a couple days because I didn't have time to mess with it, and over those couple days I tried to start it a couple times for ****s and giggles, nothing.  The one day I had time I went out and tried starting it and to my surprise, started right up.  Parked it in the garage for a couple more days then brought it out to set timing and mess with fluids, BAM, dies again.  It sits now with the same symptoms, everything works but no cranky...
Using the wiring diagram that 73440 posted, I went through to verify everything and check grounds.  Everything is as it's supposed to be, other than a gray wire I don't see in the diagram.  It comes out of the harness plug for the harness that goes to the alternator and sensor plugs, I doubt it has anything to do with my issue but it does go hot when the key is turn.  It was taped in a bundle of wires going to the coil.
I double checked grounds and all appears good there, I checked solenoid because my challenger was readily available.  I can short the solenoid and get it to crank.  SOOOO, that's kind of where I'm at... 
A ground seems to be a viable problem but I didn't see anything, maybe a bad ignition switch?  I'm out of ideas :banginghead:

[HP_Cuda]

Seems to be a wiring problem giving you fits.

Trace the wires from the inside through the bulkhead with a continuity tester and shake them to see where you are having problems.

[badcbr]

So, I traced all the wires and everything checks and ohms out except I'm getting power on the yellow wire at the starter relay, bad neutral safety switch or ignition switch?

I can start the car using the remote start off the starter relay.

[burdar]

You "DO" or "DON'T" have power to the yellow wire?  If the yellow wire has power at the relay but the starter isn't cranking, then the relay is bad.  If you don't have power at the yellow wire, the ignition switch could be bad, or you have a bad connection.

When you get the engine running....if it dies, then check for power on the blue wire.  Start at the steering column connector and work your way into the engine compartment.  Also, once it's running, grab ahold of the steering column connector and give it a jiggle.  If you have a loose connection in that plug, the engine should hiccup and possibly die. 

[734406pk]

 It is often difficult to find an intermittent electrical problem like this one. Here is a tip that may help:
 
 Get yourself several automotive light bulb sockets/bulbs like this one: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-84803/overview/
Add alligator clips to the wires (they can be extended if necessary to see the bulb from the driver seat). Attach the clips to the circuit positive feed and ground (Blue wire, yellow wire etc).  Turn the key and see what happens. You can connect several bulbs throughout the ignition circuit, Start the car and wait for it to heat up and stall. If you have a power issue, you will be able to pinpoint the problem area easily without expensive test equipment. Bulb sockets can be harvested from an old wire harness also. #194 bulb (side marker light) style works well also #1156 style are larger, but harder to find with a 2 wire connection. Just be sure to use filament type bulbs not the new LEDS.