Engine starts when releasing key

[kitsapcuda]

Turn key to start motor and engine cranks fine but does not start.  When I  release key it then tries to start, but since I released it then shuts off.   Almost as if it sparks only when key is released from cranking in on position.  I have been able to start is last time, but realized the issue this time. Last time it started as I delayed the release in a slow manner and it caught fire.
The only other item is that I am starting with a battery booster versus battery as I have remove for winter.

Is this the issues or should that not matter and I have an ignition or electrical problem.

[Alaskan_TA]

Replace the ballast resistor.

[kitsapcuda]

Thanks T/A. Will hit auto store tomorrow.  Appreciate you being on west coast time.

[ShelbyDogg]

Thanks T/A. Will hit auto store tomorrow.  Appreciate you being on west coast time.

Usually a bad ballast resistor will allow the car to run in the "start" position, then die in the "run" position.
 Do you still run points in your car?
Get a fully charged battery in there, and don't use the jump box by itself, then tell us if the problem is the same.

Rob

[kitsapcuda]

Yes it has electronic ignition.
Thx.

[Chryco Psycho]

you should be getting power at the brown wire while cranking it over, this bypasses the ballast
 once you release the key to run position you should have power through the blue wire & across the ballast , you could have a problem with the ign switch in the column

[kitsapcuda]

I think I have success.  Got a spare ballast, yet took another look at wires under steering column.  Remembered I had a short to the oil guage last year.  Seems I have a short or a wire not connecting properly.  I tweaked the main wiring harness, got a light to the oil guage and then started engine.  Started up like normal.  Bottom line is that I still need to get myself up under dash and correct problem versus a band aid fix.  Problem now is that I am got a knocking noise in engine.  Lets hope its just low on oil.

Thanks for the help.

[Chryco Psycho]

not good on the knock but otherwise 

[500Stroker]

I just replaced my ignition switch and have the exact same problem as described in the first post here.  I have double checked the connector and connector wiring.  Any idea what else to check.   Prior to this the car would start and run.  I replaced the switch because it would not spring back to the correct position after starting.

[ShelbyDogg]

I just replaced my ignition switch   Prior to this the car would start and run.  I replaced the switch because it would not spring back to the correct position after starting.

Do you have a test light to see if you have power at the ballast resistor?
Plug the old switch in at the bottom of the column and try it there. Does it run?

[500Stroker]

I have power at the dark blue wire.  Have to check the other side of the ballast when I get home.  Old switch fell apart in pieces once I removed it.  Black piece on the back no longer stays on. 

[ShelbyDogg]

If you have power on the dark blue wire, it should at least start while the key is in the start position, If it doesn't then you need to check the pickup first, then move the the control unit.  I check the pickup initially by getting it to a spot where I can move the rotor against the mechanical advance weights, back and forth while one of the 8 points on the reluctor passes past the pickup's metal point. This should cause a spark when your coil wire is held close to ground.  It should spark everytime you wobble the rotor.
Try that 1st
When you say that it starts when releasing key, I bet it doesn't really start. I bet you mean that it "fires" then doesn't start, right?  That is just caused by a spark that is generated when you release the key, when the coil's magnetic field collapses. It fires a random spark plug and the engine seems to try to start.

Rob

[500Stroker]

You're right.  It fires but doesn't start.

I'm running now. Came home from work turned the key and it fired right up. Moved the connector around under the dash and it shut off. Found one of the connector wires was not in all the way.