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Problem starting engine without steering column

440beep

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My 69' Bee is a column shift TF and I removed the steering column to rebuild it. She's been sitting since last Nov and nothing has been done to the car since she was put away. I put some fuel in the center carb fuel bowl vent, and also added some fuel straight down the carb. I checked, and the transmission gear shift lever was in park position. With the key in the run position, she would not fire up. The battery voltage started at 12.4 and slowly went down as I cranked and cranked.

Would having the steering column removed along with the column wiring harness disconnected be the cause of the non-start? Could it be a neutral safety switch issue?
 
How are you cranking?,,, Sounds like you are turning on key and jumping relay? check for voltage at coil and ballast resistor. Run a jumper from bat to pos. coil term....All you have in column is turn signals and horn, nothing in there to stop it from starting.
 
Yes, I had the key in the run position, and was using remote trigger at starter relay so I can watch the engine, just in case. Ok, will try what you recommend.

How are you cranking?,,, Sounds like you are turning on key and jumping relay? check for voltage at coil and ballast resistor. Run a jumper from bat to pos. coil term....All you have in column is turn signals and horn, nothing in there to stop it from starting.
 
The neutral safety is only connected to the starter relay, not the ignition.
Was the choke closed?
 
Tried it both ways, choke closed and open.

And that's what I thought I remembered about the NSS.

The neutral safety is only connected to the starter relay, not the ignition.
Was the choke closed?
 
'69 has ZERO ignition items in the column. Runs just fine without a steering unit. If it cranks, it should start...
 
as mentioned, nothing related to ignition on column up to 69. 70 was the firts year

just turnings and horn ( and brakes won't light up either ).
 
Last edited:
My 69' Bee is a column shift TF and I removed the steering column to rebuild it. She's been sitting since last Nov and nothing has been done to the car since she was put away. I put some fuel in the center carb fuel bowl vent, and also added some fuel straight down the carb. I checked, and the transmission gear shift lever was in park position. With the key in the run position, she would not fire up. The battery voltage started at 12.4 and slowly went down as I cranked and cranked.

Would having the steering column removed along with the column wiring harness disconnected be the cause of the non-start? Could it be a neutral safety switch issue?
Yes, I had the key in the run position, and was using remote trigger at starter relay so I can watch the engine, just in case. Ok, will try what you recommend.
Tried it both ways, choke closed and open.

And that's what I thought I remembered about the NSS.
Did you check for spark while cranking?
 
In the end, I think the battery needed a little recharging, she fires up fine now, or at least starts. I need to chase another new gremlin now.
 
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