Won't turn over... :(

If the wire was disconnecting on the coil end, you didn't hurt anything. That wire goes to the choke and idle cutoff solenoid, which is why it wouldn't idle. It's supposed to shut off the carb's idle fuel circuit when you turn off the key. Disconnecting the wire is just like turning off the key.

If it was loose on the carb side, then yes it could have shorted out. The coil wire isn't fused so it could have melted through the insulation anywhere along the way and could be grounded out there now. Turn the ignition switch off and test the positive coil wire (disconnect from coil first) that it does not have any continuity to ground. Turn the key on and you should see +12V on the coil wire. You can hear a click so some power is getting to the starter solenoid from the ignition switch.

You need to check that your gen/alternator is working. Sounds like it isn't charging and your battery is just low. Does the charging light in the dash light up when the key is on but the car isn't running? What is the current battery voltage? When you manage to get it running again, what is the battery voltage then?

Hey Justin,

Yeah both of the dash lights light up. I do not know the current battery voltage.  Yes the wire came loose on the carb side.

I went out to the car and tried it again. *click*

I poked around a bit. Nothing stood out. Nothing was melted or burned. I found the same wire was loose at the coil end, as well the carb! I  went ahead and tightened up the slip on connectors with my manly fingers (they are junk... need to replace). Both ends of the wire house a funky connector. The carb side y's off to the choke and idle cutoff.  At the coil the Y goes to the carb, the other goes to the distributor electronic ignition.  Odd, nothing that should keep the car from turning over.

I poked around for a bit more and figured it was a lost cause.  At this point I called Theron because I figured I was going to have to tow it home. I keyed the ignition one more time, just for shits and grins - and it started.

With the car started, I threw my bag in the car and hauled ass home. Made it fine. Car ran like a champ the entire way home. My SEG was creating drag on 101. 

When I got home, I turned off the car. I tried to start it again and it started. I turned it off and I removed the wire from the coil side (I thought caused the issue)...  and the car turned over just fine. Wouldn't start obviously because of the EI. I put the wire back on. I pulled the same wire off the carb, and it would start, but not idle.

That's right, I have the worst kind of problem... an intermittent one!

The car did live on the coast (2 blocks from the beach?) for 10  years. There are definitely some 'green' connections on the starter solenoid and the positive battery wire. 

Looks like I have a date with an emery cloth and some WD-40. I'll replace any connections which look green.

Thanks for the advice, Justin.  I'll check the alt charging and the batter voltage this weekend.

Now I'm afraid to drive it.

Ted

When you buff up those connections, smear on a thin coat of petroleum jelly mixed with baking soda.....  I use the stuff on battery connections and any place that might get wet...

Ultra cheap insurance....

A tube of dielectric grease is handy to keep in with spares. Folks might get wrong idea if you carry a round a big jar of Vasoline. Use it on bulbs to prevent corrosion, spark plug boots, where wires go into distributor cap, and wire connections.  Locktite and Dow make - along with others.  Wonder if pertoleum jelly destroy rubber electrical boots?

If I have followed this thread correctly, Your car died, You were able to get it running again, It died again, but would turn over, Then ran again, died and would no longer turn over....

Sounds like the alternator was taken out by whatever caused the short in the ignition.....

I'd charge the battery, crank the car, and measure the battery voltage with the engine running......  Voltage should be between 13.5 and 14 volts dc....   Good luck...

Dielectric grease works, but I make only what I need for the job....Never had any compatibility problems...