1977 230 wont start

[Canadian230]

So a strange thing happened...

My 1977 230 had been starting very well, but suffered from a hunting problem when hot, so I decided to change a few parts just to make sure they weren't causing the problem.

I changed the Ignition Coil, Distributer Cap and Rotor, plus the spark plug wires. Pretty safe right?

The car started the first time, though the engine seemed to struggle to turn over. It ran beautifully, but when I stopped it, it now wont start. The engine doesn't turn over at all - nothing happens when I turn the key. I replaced all the old parts, just in case, but it still doesn't start.

Could the new ignition coil have shorted out the starter motor, or is it just an unfortunate coincidence?

Thanks

Canadian230

 

[Number_Cruncher]

Try starting it in neutral instead of park, or while giving the gear selector a bit of a wiggle. It could simply be the neutral safety switch is beginning to fail - or even that the bushes on the selector mechanism are worn.

 

[mattkh]

Hi
Is it an Automatic ?

 

[Canadian230]

Yes it is. I also tried it in neutral and it would turn over. It just such a strange coincidence that it happened when I changed the ignition coil...

 

[Canadian230]

Sorry, meant it still wouldn't turn over in Neutral.