[driver912]

My 66 had developed an annoying habit of intermittant starting. Over the last few days, I would try to start it , sometimes it would start, sometimes just a click. When it would start, I would turn it off and then try again and only get a click. About 50% of the time, it would start and 50% just a click.

From past experience, I bought a new solenoid just in case. This weekend, checked the battery, 12.5 volts, shorted the starter terminals and the starter would run fine. Shorted out the solenoid and it would click. Short out all three terminals and the engine would start.

OK, so I figure I have an intermittant solenoid. I pulled off the starter and replaced the solenoid, checked its operation while out of the car and everything looked good. Put it back in and only got a click.

Tried over the next day and using the key and also shorting out the extra yellow wire to the regulator, it would only start about 50% of the time.

Then I tried shorting out the terminals on the igition switch and, provided I use a heavy enough guage wire, it would start every time.

OK. I thought, new switch ( I couldn't see how you could get the existing one apart to fix it, it is the kind with the steering column lock on) and even maybe a hot start relay kit.

The battery was run down with all my fooling around and so I put the charger on it.

Now the weird part, the car now tries to start almost every time with the key or the extra yellow wire but won't stay running. When I release the key, or the extra yellow wire, it stops. It's almost like the starter is sticking engaged to the fly wheel. The red and green lights don't come on when the key is in "Run" anymore but both still come on while the key is in the "Start" position. The radio doesn't work anymore!!!!!

I am ready to call in a psychic healer. Did I fry the ignition switch, regulator, starter, generator, everything or just the left side of my brain? Any ideas would be appreciated before I call in Ms. Cleo.