[DaveInCanada]

@Billhanlon. I really appreciate your help and all the answers you're providing. I've tested the yellow wire for power, and there is power running through the junction connector and there is power at the Ammeter. The batter is connected, I turn the key and still no go. What should I check next?

I think I may have figured something out. I'm using Pertronix module in my distributor and a Pertronix coil. Therefore, I don't need to run the black and purple wires through the resistor. So I'm wondering if I connect both the purple (ignition #1) and the black wire (ignition #2) to the positive terminal of the coil.

[Bill Hanlon]

The coil connections won't keep the engine from cranking.

Make sure the transmission is in park.
Use a screwdriver to jump between the big post on the starter and the S post on the starter for a second.
Engine should crank.
What happens?

[Bill Hanlon]

By the way, do you have a multimeter? If so, analog or digital?

[DaveInCanada]

Sun is setting here in Toronto, so I will give the jump suggestion a go tomorrow. I have digital multimeter. I will give you an update once I give the jump a try. If it doesn't crank like you mention, what could be the issue (just being proactive)

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by DaveInCanada

If it doesn't crank like you mention, what could be the issue (just being proactive)

Dead battery
Battery cables not connected at battery
Battery + cable not connected to solenoid
Battery - cable not connected to engine block
Solenoid not "pulling in" (no "thunk")
Solenoid contactor bad ("thunk" but no crank)
Starter defective ("thunk" but no crank)

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by Bill Hanlon

The coil connections won't keep the engine from cranking.

Make sure the transmission is in park.
Use a screwdriver to jump between the big post on the starter and the S post on the starter for a second.
Engine should crank.
What happens?

Should have added "Make sure the ignition key is off." at the start of the list above.

[DaveInCanada]

@Billhanlon

Thanks. How do I know if the car is in park. I have the trans linkage connected at lower column but I haven't assembled the steering wheel parts yet.

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by DaveInCanada

@Billhanlon

Thanks. How do I know if the car is in park. I have the trans linkage connected at lower column but I haven't assembled the steering wheel parts yet.

Remove the fat wire from the coil to the distributor instead. I just want to eliminate any chance of starting the engine while this test is going on.

[DaveInCanada]

@Billhanlon. It worked! I touched the screwdriver to the "S" terminal and main terminal of the starter and the motor cranked without issue. No "thunking". So I know the starter is working. Now to figure out where the issue lies in the ignition system.

I've traced all wires and all them except for are connected properly. The pink wire from the ignition switch (Sol) is connected to the transmission linkage on the steering column. But the wiring schematic shows it going to junction block just before the starter. Should I run the pink wire from the SOL on the ignition switch to the junction?

Also, I have confirmed that I have power at the ignition switch through the thicker yellow wire. I'm guessing I've done something wrong with the ignition 1 and 2 wiring.

[Bill Hanlon]

I won't be home until dark in Toronto and don't have switch. copy of the wiring diagram with me. And the weekend is pretty busy for me.

Try jumping the hot all the time wire to the SOL wire at the ignition switch with the key off. Should rank and may try to start, so leave the coil wire undone as in the previous test.

I may some time for phone support tonight between 6 and 10 CST if you'd like. I'll send a private message with my phone number.

[Bill Hanlon]

Can't figure out PM.

My phone is 713-468-6417

[DaveInCanada]

Hi Bill,

I would be great if I could call at 6pm CST. I look forward to speaking with you.

Dave

[Bill Hanlon]

6 is great. Just got home.

[Bill Hanlon]

Dave: When you have some free time you should read the first five pages of this https://www.pontiacsafari.com/Hydram...structions.pdf

It is from a 1956 manual, but your '55 tranny is the same.

I'm glad we figured out your immediate problem, but am too embarrassed to admit it took us this long.

[Safari Larry]

Originally Posted by Bill Hanlon

Dave: When you have some free time you should read the first five pages of this https://www.pontiacsafari.com/Hydram...structions.pdf

It is from a 1956 manual, but your '55 tranny is the same.

Bill, he has a 57, that is link to the 56 slant pan. Good job on helping him out! Here is link to the 57 hydramatic manual.

https://www.pontiacsafari.com/Hydramatic/1957/index.htm

Dave, open section 1 and read that -- when you have some free time and need entertainment.

[Bill Hanlon]

Larry:

Dave's (locked up) 347/ and unknown quality Strato-Flight have been replaced with a 55 287 and a slant pan Hydra-Matic. Could be fun getting the throttle linkage right.

By the way, the wiring diagram in the 57 Shop Manual on your site does not show the switch that prevents starting the engine except when in park or neutral with an automatic trans. And that is where Dave's problem was.

[Safari Larry]

Originally Posted by Bill Hanlon

Larry:

Dave's (locked up) 347/ and unknown quality Strato-Flight have been replaced with a 55 287 and a slant pan Hydra-Matic. Could be fun getting the throttle linkage right.

By the way, the wiring diagram in the 57 Shop Manual on your site does not show the switch that prevents starting the engine except when in park or neutral with an automatic trans. And that is where Dave's problem was.

Ah, somehow, I missed that. I suppose the Neutralizer Switch isn't shown in the wiring diagram because Hydramatic was an option. Now I'm wondering if Dave has the correct gear selection indicator for the slant pan (no "P"). And does he have the correct Neutralizer Switch for the slant pan. Per the MPC Group 4.054, it is different than the 57 switch. The transmission manual tells how to adjust it. But I haven't found a wiring diagram for it anywhere.

As I think about this, I'm wondering about the internals and levers of the steering column, are they the same for 57 and 55 slant pan. I doubt it.

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by Safari Larry

Ah, somehow, I missed that.

Dave didn't say until we were on the phone.

I suppose the Neutralizer Switch isn't shown in the wiring diagram because Hydramatic was an option. Now I'm wondering if Dave has the correct gear selection indicator for the slant pan (no "P"). And does he have the correct Neutralizer Switch for the slant pan.

Given that the "start" position is all the way CCW on both shift levers, this shouldn't be too hard to deal with. And reverse is all the way CW. I'm more concerned about the slant pan's complicated and very sensitive throttle to tranny linkage.

I wanted Dave to read about the "start in neutral, park in reverse" operation of the Dual Range HM.

[Safari Larry]

Bill, Pontiac Pat has done the conversion of Stratoflight to dual-range on a 56 Star Chief. This would be similar to installing a 55 dual-range in a 57. I'll email Pat with CC to you and ask about any gotchas.

[Safari Larry]

I found a 57 Pontiac wiring diagram on www.oldcarmanualproject.com, attached. It is different than the Shop Manual wiring diagram and shows the Neutralizer switch, including connection to backup lights. This diagram might be a little easier to read.