Hi, I have a C4 (1986) Vette and at times it just wont start. Acts like there isn't a battery in it. IF I disconnect the negative cable for 5 to 10 seconds and reconnect it, then the car will start. I checked all cables and they all seem tight, any suggestions?
Thanks;
Ralph

 

Next time it won't start, try getting under the car and knocking on the starter/solenoid with a hammer a few times. Then try to start it. If one or two times like this makes it start, you have a "bad" starter: either the connection to the cable there is bad, the solenoid contacts are worn, or, as is common on any old starter, the brushes are worn and as a result spring tension is low and it just doesn't get enough contact. Usually any jolt, or moving the cables slightly, removing/regaining polarity, can "fix" it temprarily. Regardless the thing to do it, then the to replace the starter.

 

When you say it just won't start are you saying everything is dead and dark or everything seems OK but the engine won't spin? If the later is true then Lee is right on I think. On my 88 I would get a single click but the starter wouldn't do anything more than that. I pulled the starter, cleaned the contact washer up in the lath and installed new contacts ( less than $5) and it's been great ever since. Imagine my suprize to find out I could remove the starter without taking anything else off the car! Who'd a thought it?