that should be won't start. sorry.

let me explain 'cause it happened kind of suddenly.

87 coupe, 4cyl isuzu 5sp. i haven't been driving this car but about a week ago i did a battery relocation and have been taking it around the block off and on checking it out.

today i was checking the coolant level 'cause the guage was swinging as i drove. i had it parked on a hill adding coolant and decided to start it to make sure the coolant had settled, but it spurted out so i turned the car off.

and that's where i am. i can't get the car started again. it acts like i'm trying to start it without pushing the clutch in. i hear the fuel pump prime, and the lights and stuff work. all i've done so far is disconnect the clutch switch and jumpered it, but got nothing. my battery to ground connection was loose, so i tightened it, and i tried jumping it just because i couldn't think of anything else, but i got nothin' still.

the only thing i can think is the coolant slashing out shorted something but i don't know what. i've done the same thing with other fieros, even this one in the past without this happening, so i'm at a loss.

thanks for any help.

------------------
Phil T.

start where you are,
use what you have,
do what you can. arthur ashe

[This message has been edited by Philphine (edited 07-17-2005).]

the car wont start.
does the starter spin the engine?
do you hear the fuel pump?
got spark?

I seriously doubt the coolant could short something, yea its possible, but very very remote. Id bet the starter went, thy tapping it with a hammer, or taking jumpers and putting power right to it.

Are you getting any electrical current in the car? If so, why not roll down the hill let out the clutch and start it that way?

Another thing to check would be the C500 connecter. ('85-'88 the C500 is the connecter by the battery). I had a Fiero that did the same thing that you're describing, and it ended up being corroded connections inside the C500 connecter. Nothing that electrical cleaner and a wire brush couldn't fix.

ok new day and i'm starting to focus on the starter. no clicks, whirling or any indication that it's even getting power, but i'm sure it is 'cause i get it through the clutch switch and going by the simple wiring diagram in my hanes it's a strait shot to the solenoid from there.

i'm also still wondering about the shorting angle 'cause i see that the solenoid wire goes right under the thermostat housing on the engine. i'm thinking possibly coolant could have used the wire sheathing around it like a funnel and poured coolant right on the connection. a streach i know but i've never had a starter problem with this car (beyond a weak battery) till this and the coolant slashing out is the only difference and seems like more than coincidence (i mean start the car, coolant splashes out, turn it off, refill and put cap back on, no start).
just looking for any other clue before i crawl under the car 'cause i just don't feel like it (haven't done a fiero starter before. dosen't look fun). thanks again for any help.

i kinda unintentionally had two threads going because it seemed like i had two different problems related to each other and confusing me. anyway, i found the second problem...

my neutral safety switch on the clutch was bad. i couldn't tell till i took it all the way off and tried to work it with my hand. the plunger was stuck and/or jammed in the open position. just swapped it today and i think i finally have it right.