[Healeys] No start condition

[Bob Spidell]

Glad you solved your problem, but the solution to the problem doesn't 
fit the description.  You wrote that the car wouldn't turn over, fuel 
pump wouldn't tick, etc. without a jump from the battery to the 
solenoid.   The white/black wire does one thing, and one thing only 
(assuming it's wired per the factory diagram): it grounds the primary 
circuit to the coil, so that the engine will not receive any spark at 
the plugs.  If this circuit is permanently shorted to chassis ground, 
the engine will--well, it should--turn over, fuel pump should tick, 
etc., but it will not fire (assuming the other function of the switch 
works).   The cutoff switch does two things when in the 'ON' position: 
it closes the circuit from the battery to the chassis--hence making all 
things electrical (that are wired through the switch)--work, and it 
opens the circuit that grounds the coil so the coil can generate spark.

This sounds to me like the switch wasn't closing the circuit from 
battery to ground, which WOULD explain the symptoms you described.  I'm 
guessing--although I can't think of exactly how--your messing with the 
switch somehow--and probably, temporarily--'solved' the problem.

 From now on, when anyone asks what's wrong with their car--leaks oil, 
pulls left on braking, won't go into reverse, etc.--I'm just gonna 
answer "It's the white/black wire to the cutoff switch!"  ;)

Bob


On 4/23/2018 2:08 PM, Fred Wescoe wrote:
> Okay guys, lots of informed thoughts on my no start problem.
>
> I went to the battery cut off switch in the trunk and found that the 
> white/black wire was actually broken at the very end of the 
> insulation.  The wire looked as through it was connected but actually 
> wasn`t.  I stripped the wire and inserted it into the switch connector 
> and the car started!  I turned the car off and restarted it multiple 
> times just to make sure.  The problem seems resolved.
>
> While I was back there, I tightened all of the other switch 
> connections and thoroughly cleaned the battery terminals.  So, my hope 
> is the car will start properly.
>
> The first person to suggest the white/black wire possibility was Don 
> Day.  I didn't think that could be the problem but after Len Hartnett 
> and Steve Byers also suggested the same wire, I checked and there it was.
>
> So many thanks to the allmost 20 people on the list who responded, all 
> with thoughtful recommendations, including cleaning the crap out of 
> the terminals.
>
> Thanks to everone, what a list!
>
> Fred
>
> 66 BJ8
>