"Per-Olof Litby" wrote in message
...
I made a post back in January about my non-starting Cobra (GM block,
original post at bottom) and received some responses. It's now spring time
and the problem has not fixed itself :-) so it's time to revisit it. I've
done some more troubleshooting and it indicates a more general electrical
problem.

I've found that the trim does NOT work either, and that as soon as I
switch on something, say the engine room blower, there is a significant
voltage drop - down to below 6V. The gauges don't power up fully and the
tachometer doesn't return to 0 when the ignition switch is put in the acc.
position.

Voltage drops to zero when I try to operate the trim or the starter, and
the trim solenoids don't click.

Also, there is no voltage on the IGN lead which goes from the ignition
switch to the tach. With the ignition switch in the start position, there
is only about 6V on the purple lead at the starter solenoid (which is
placed on the starter motor).

Battery is new and OK. I've checked all fuses I know of, and there is
power from the battery to the instrument panel (12V).

Any ideas? Grounding problem at the ignition switch?

/P O Litby



Your voltage drop is possibley due to a bad battery cable, poor connection,
or internal corrosion.

Grab the battery cables and flex them along their length. If you feel any
"crunchy" areas, they are corroded internally. Inspect the ground stud on
the back of the motor. Usually water drips down thru the engine cover to
transom area and rusts the stud and terminals. Look closely for rust and
corrosion around wiring or their connectors and fuse holders.

A voltage drop test using a voltmeter will tell you where the problem is.
Read a service manual or enlist the help of a knowledgeable person to
perform it.

Bill Grannis
service manager