Ignition question

**samdotcom** · 08-16-2010, 03:21 PM

Hi guys;

New question.....
Can anyone tell me why my engine will try to keep running as long as I hold the key towards the START position..... but stop running when the key is released to the ON position.

As long as I hold the key to START, I can keep the engine running including a few pumps on the carb to keep it going.

The fuel system is pumping fuel, the distributor is firing the cylinders, and yet as soon as I release the key to return to the ON position.... everything shuts down.
Any ideas would be appreciated and answered.
Thanks
Sam

**corey wilkins** · 08-16-2010, 04:51 PM

ignition switch

**theoldguy** · 08-16-2010, 06:37 PM

Whenthe key is held over ,the 12 volt feed from the starter is keeping it going. When you release the key ,you sre supposed to have 8 volts from the resistor feeding the coil.

**njlimbaugh** · 08-16-2010, 06:44 PM

In other words, replace the ignition resistor.

**samdotcom** · 08-17-2010, 10:54 AM

I just want to say thank-you to everyone for your replies but I have a Dumb Question..............
Could someone describe to me what an ignition resistor looks like, where it would be located on the car, and what is it connected to. Sorry for being so dumb but I really did look it up in my Buick Shop manual and they make no mention of this part.
By the way, she's a 64, wildcat, A/T, 401. I probably should have mentioned all this earlier but AGAIN, I wasn't thinking straight. I love this car so much and I guess we all know how much something that you love can drive you crazy. (smile)
Anyhow Thanks Everyone and will answer all ideas and messages.
Sam

**WildKitty** · 08-17-2010, 03:24 PM

check out my post "wiring diagram for ALL Buicks"

**samdotcom** · 08-23-2010, 09:38 PM

I'd like to take this time to thank,
Coreywilliams, theoldguy, njlimbaugh, and wildkitty, for all your answers and suggestions. THANK-YOU.
My problem turned out to be a burnt resistor wire at the ignition switch. I bought a ballast resistor and rewired the burnt wire all the way from the ignition switch to the coil. Works like a dream.
Does anyone know if this is a common problem on early buicks with only a resistor wire as protection. I'm considering addind an inline fuse connector and/or a fusible link. Wondering if this is overkill or detrimental to the original value specified for OHMS resistance.
Once again any ideas or suggestions on the second half of this post will be greatly appreciated and replied to.
Thanks....Sam