75 02 not starting

[Tmta]

I am new to the 2002 world and the world of forums. I was looking for some advice with some problems with a 75 02 I just purchased. Supposedly the car was running fine when the last guy bought. He said he changed the starter and pressure washed the engine. Now the car will not start or turn over with the key. It will start with a screw driver across the starter solenoid. When it starts it will not stay running unless you are constantly giving it gas. I don't know if the two are related. On the starter solenoid the positive batter cable is connected, a two wire connector at the bottom and the wire to the starter. There is a terminal at the top of the solenoid with nothing attached. I am assuming the other guy did not connect something. There are several wires hanging in this area that have not been reconnected. Any suggestions?

Tom

[layers]

Hello Tom-- welcome to the forum!

Just a couple of quick comments about your problems:

1. The open terminal at the top of your starter solenoid is where the switched +12V wire from the ignition goes; I bet one of the loose wires needs to be attached there. Sometimes the connector loosens and the wire can come off too easily. You may need to check those loose wires with a trouble light or voltmeter with a helper to turn the ignition to start, so you can identify the correct one to reconnect.

2.Your idle problem may be the idle mixture screw tightened too much, or a problem with the butterfly adjustment; take off the air cleaner and see if the butterfly is firmly closed, and also check that the idle mixture screw is not tightened.

Others may have better suggestions, and the 02 General Discussion page will get comments from around the country (even world!).

I hope you marked 18 May on your calender for the Swap & Show at the Brisbane Marina. We often have a caravan of cars from the Sacramento area, and it's nice to put a face to a name.

[Tmta]

Thanks Larry.