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3 second ignition delay when starting 454 engine

N

northern_lights

Member
I have 1986 twin crusaders 454

I have 1986 twin crusaders 454's w/750hrs. The last couple of start ups on the Port engine I have had a delay before starting. I checked all connections for corrosion and tightness... and all is free & good. Batteries are healthy. Just hold the key over & after 2-3 seconds turns right over and fires right up. Wondering if I have a starter or ignition issue??? Are their some simple tests that I can perform to determine what the culprit is.
 
Hmmm. Pull a plug wire and put

Hmmm. Pull a plug wire and put a spark tester in it and see if you have spark for that first few seconds.
 
you could have an oil pressure

you could have an oil pressure 'safety switch' wired into the ignition circuit; no oil pressure = no spark.

Watch the oil pressure gauge when crankinging; does the needle jump 'up' same time the engines fires?
 
Cranking. Spring loaded key r

Cranking. Spring loaded key right...So I turn the key on (oil pressure buzzer sounds...roll key to ignition...and nothing for about 2-3 seconds...then engine turns over(strong)...fires right up. Stbd engine...once you roll key to ignition...it goes to immediate cranking and also fires right up. I thought I had a corresion issue with the connector to the starter post. I replaced the connector (copper)laced it with dielectic grease and thus far no change.
 
"Sounds like a key switch or r

"Sounds like a key switch or relay. Try testing for voltage at the yellow/red wire on the back of the switch, make sure it powers up as soon as you put the switch in the start position. If it does, check the adjustment and function of the neutral switch. If these are working properly, try jumping the starter at the engine, make sure it reacts properly from there. If not, it is a starter/solenoid issue.

Good luck,
Rick"
 
I did try jumping at starter a

I did try jumping at starter and it cranked right away....So I think you are on to something Rick. I have heard folks say that 22yr old Ignition switches can get faulty...So I will check the wiring but more likely will replace the ignition S. Keep you posted.
 
There is also a slave solenoid

There is also a slave solenoid between the switch and the starter's solenoid - under the cover where the circuit breaker is.
 
You probably have a bad SW or

You probably have a bad SW or solenoid. It could also be a bad connection. When you turn the key you start drawing current. If there is a high resistance somewhere it might not allow current flow untim it heats up a little due to the high circuit resistance.

I would put a volt meter across the hot to start terminals on the starter SW and do the same on the slave solenoid and the starter solenoid. You might find a excessive drop across one of these. If you don't find anything there go from the battery terminal to the start SW. Do the same check on the ground side (engine to neg terminal of battery probably and aux solenoid.
 
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