‘79 245 manual will roll start but not by key ignition. Should I look at coil or what?

Thanks to everyone!

 

NO, Your coil - creates a spark to the spark plugs (via the distributor) If your engine runs if you roll/bump start the engine - the coil/ignition/fuel system is working. So NO don't look at your coil.

If you turn the key and the starter does not engage - you can use a jumper wire connected to the positive battery terminal - to send power to the small terminal on the starter. If the starter is working normally - that will energize the solenoid and turn the starter on. If not - you have a problem with the starter. If it works - you have a problem with the ignition not sending a signal to the starter. A manual trans car of that vintage does not have a switch that requires you to depress the clutch for the starter to operate. So unless the jumper for the Neutral starter switch wiring has come unplugged (it's there in case a automatic was installed and only one wire harness was made for that car) - check power to the small wire on the starter with the key in the start position. .

 

Thanks for the response. Went to look over the starter yesterday but before I did she started right up. Is there any thing else that would cause intermitting starting issues. I don’t know, some type of crank sensor of this vintage that wouldn’t catch all the time? The car sat for a while until last year when I change the fuel pumps and drained the gas tank. Also change the fuel filter at that time. Could this be remnants from old junk in the tank, that is clogging a line? I have a new fuel filter to put on, does that seem like a good way to go? The other day when I had to roll start it, she ran for a little while (10 minutes) and then shut off on me wouldn’t start by the key. Didnt bother to roll it again that day. Just adding a little more information. Could the WUR be something to look at?

Headed back up to where I have her stored today so I will see how she is feeling today about starting.

Thanks again!