Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can stop a loud screeching that happens after starting my 1978 Type LT, the car is extremely loud even though it recently had a brand new muffler attached, and the ground cable is getting extremely hot. This car has been parked for roughly ten years and I've installed a new starter and a variety of new gaskets, The vehicle starts however after a few minutes a loud screeching sound starts, sometimes the car will turn off and just continuously crank after the sound starts. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance!

 

Hello, if you still have this issue I would wager that its your alternator. Was it replaced at some point?

 

Sounds like the starter is sticking and may need to be shimmed.

 

Hi I have the same model 305 but when I try to turn key it stops and makes a security buzz any suggestions on what the problem may be? I tried replacing the ignition cylinder and still no luck.

 

Josh you did see my answer on your other post?

"The key cylinder and ignition switch in a 78 is very simple mechanical set up. The cylinder has a gear on the end, when you turn the key there are 3 things that happen.

1.) There is a rack like shaft the runs to the bottom of the column. That shaft pushes on the ignition switch. If you lower the column you can reach in and push the switch with a long screw driver to see if the switch moves. Sometimes that switch will fall apart internally and lock up.

2.) There is a metal rod that locks into the steering wheel to keep it from turning. If there is binding this too can stop the key from turning. In many cases there was a stress put on the pin by the front wheels trying to turn while the key was off it can cause this issue. This system was designed to stop a human from turning the wheel not stopping a 3000lb moving car from turning.

3.) Wrong key or damaged ignition cylinder."

In this one you said it starts to turn that would mean it is not the Key. I would think it is a lot more likely that it is either the ignition switch itself or the rod going to it. If changing the cylinder made no difference then that rules out binding with the wheel.

The below video gives you a better idea what you are looking for. I do not recommend restoring your switch, just replace it. The end of the video is a nice shot of it working. start at the beginning for a few minutes then jump to the 20 minute mark.

 

Ok so the switched is seized up on me I tried with a screw driver and nothing I can’t even get to it and replace it because the ignition rod is stuck in the column. Any solutions ? Do I need to completely pull out and diss assemble the whole column? If so how could i fixed the seized ignition rod?

 

You sure its the rod not the switch? I have repaired a lot of columns and the only time I have seen that rod seized is when the column was put together wrong. If the rod is jammed with the switch off then I don't see how you would fix anything with pulling the column a part and see when it loosens.

 

I’m sure it’s both would I have to pull the column out and take it a part replace the switch and reassemble it right?

 

Would I have to replace the entire column if both rod and switches are not working?