celwww

I just bought an '81 automatic and when I go to turn the key there's power but it won't start, it won't even turn over. Does anyone have any suggestions?

CHEESERAL

If you just got it and this just happened I'd start with the easy stuff and see if the connections at the battery are tight. Then check the grond connections and the connections to the starter, also make sure your battery is good and go from there.

Good luck

87bob

Can you hear the solonoid click when you turn the key to the start position?

C3 Shark Tank

Good suggestions above, also check the neutral safety switch. It's on the shifter and a pain to get at but they do go bad and cause a no start problem.

midwest-vette

I know it sounds stupid but make sure the shifter is all the way in Park. I have a problem with mine sometimes and I have to give the shifter a nudge forward and all is fine.

celwww

How do I check the switch? Can I just remove it? It isn't a battery problem or something like that as I have power it just won't turn over.

Greg

Will it turn if you jump the starter down below?

celwww

Yes, I can "hotwire" it and it starts and runs fine

81' Corvette Guy

If you have a test light you can check and see if you have fire to the purple wire that comes from the ignition swith through the firewall and runs to the right across the back of the engine. There will be a big "block plug" of wire close to or over the right side of the right valve cover. Trace the purple wire to that connection and hook up a test light and see if you have fire with the ignition is turned over to the "start" position. Once that has been confirmed check the purple wire down on the solenoid to ensure fire is going to the soleniod then the starter. Let us know what you find, sounds like the starter is ok..maybe solenoid or neutral safety switch.

Gator81

One other alley you might chase this goose into is the anti-theft starter defeat. If the anti-theft has been tripped, the starter circuit is opened, plus it starts cycling the horn circuit. However, if that horn-beeping part of the system has been disabled (as many people did back then), there is no audible or visual indicator that the anti-theft starter defeat has been activated.

Assuming the circuitry is still there (except for the part that cycles the horn), you reset the anti-theft in only one way: put the door key in the door lock and unlock the door. There is a switch attached to the backside of that lock cylinder, and it will turn off the anti-theft.

Good luck with it! :seeya