[DeTomaso] AAAAAAARGH!!!!!

[Christopher Kimball]

I'll try to test the relay and perform the  other assorted tests you all 
have suggested (thanks, by the way), but at the risk of sounding like the 
non-mechanic guy I am, what does the relay look like?  I went to some kind 
of MSD ready to run distributor and a single wire alternator, if that helps.

Sorry I'm so illiterate about this stuff.

By the way, upon further testing (actually it was more like a few more 
futile attempts to start the car, just in case the whole not-starting thing 
was just my imagination--it wasn't) I noticed when I first turn on the 
ignition, the ammeter goes a bit negative for a second, then pops back to a 
slightly less negative position.  Then, when I turn the key to the start 
position, there is no movement whatsoever from the ammeter and no sound.  
Don't know if that's relevant or not.

Thanks again,

Chris




>From: "Will Kooiman" <wkooiman at earthlink.net>
>To: "'John McKee'" <johnmckee at cox.net>,"'Christopher Kimball'" 
><chrisvkimball at msn.com>
>CC: <deTomaso at realbig.com>
>Subject: RE: [DeTomaso] AAAAAAARGH!!!!!
>Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 17:12:49 -0500
>
>I vote for the starter solenoid/relay.
>
>I've mentioned this before. The starter relays available these days are
>crap.  Either use a mini starter that has an integral relay or get one from
>a Ford dump truck (or maybe a big diesel, F350, F700, etc.).  They work the
>same way as a standard relay, but they aren't cheap Taiwan crap.
>
>To test your relay, you could run a jumper cable from the starter side of
>the relay to the battery side of the relay (while the car is in neutral of
>course).  If it cranks, it's the relay.
>
>Will.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On
>Behalf Of John McKee
>Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2007 4:06 PM
>To: Christopher Kimball
>Cc: deTomaso at realbig.com
>Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] AAAAAAARGH!!!!!
>
>Chris,
>
>Double check all of the battery to starter connections.
>If you are not hearing the starter gear trying to engage I would be
>suspicious you are not getting enough juice back there or something is 
>amiss
>
>with your "new starter and solenoid".  The new parts would be the first
>thing I would check.
>I know I always over look the small stuff so start with the simple things
>and leave the outrageous thoughts (motor seized) for later tonight or maybe
>2:00 am!
>;o)
>
>John
>4488
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Christopher Kimball" <chrisvkimball at msn.com>
>To: <detomaso at realbig.com>
>Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2007 1:05 PM
>Subject: [DeTomaso] AAAAAAARGH!!!!!
>
>
> > Yesterday I drove my car home from the shop after new rotors were
> > installed
> > on the front.  This was really the first time I drove it any length 
>after
> > the motor rebuild and all the other stuff that has been done to it since 
>I
> > bought it.
> >
> > Although it seemed to run great and sounded awesome,I noticed some 
>coolant
> > overflowed into a parking lot on a stop on my way home, so this morning 
>I
> > checked the bottle with the pressure release cap and it was only half 
>full
> > (that's the bottle with the temp sending unit on it).  I jacked the car 
>up
>
> > a
> > few inches in the back and refilled the bottle with 50/50 coolant.
> >
> > Here's the bad part:  I then tried to start the car and...NOTHING!!!  
>The
> > gauges all light up and work, the battery is strong, but after just
> > installing a new starter, new solenoid, alternator, etc. the car is
> > DEAD!!!
> > No engine turnover or movement at all, no loud, audible noises when I 
>turn
> > the key (although I think the ammeter moves negative when I do 
>that)--just
> > an eerie silence.
> >
> > I guess I'll have AAA tow it into the shop tomorrow unless anyone can 
>give
> > me any simple tests to try so I can determine what the problem is.  What 
>a
> > bummer!
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
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