I need help guys!
In order for my '69 327/4speed to start up, I have to jump a wire from the coil the alternator. If I don't, the car just turns over and over. When the car does start, it runs fine. Once warm it usually has no problems starting again?!?!?

I installed a remote solenoid a few years ago, but other than that, nothing has been touched. Where should I begin looking to resolve this annoying problem?

Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!

On an original 1st gen, the coil got it's voltage through a resistor wire coming from the fuse block. This limited the coil voltage to about 9 volts or so to prevent it from overheating. A common modification is to remove the resistor wire and install a ballast resistor for the same purpose. In either case this restive feed should be connected to the positive side of the coil.

In addition, there is also a wire from the starter solenoid to the positive side of the coil. When cranking the motor, this wire provides full battery voltage to the coil. It provides a hotter spark to make starting easier. I suspect this wire is missing or has been disconnected from the solenoid.

-dnult

As Dave pointed out there are 2 sets of ignition related contacts in the ignition switch. One set provides power to the starter purple wire when the key is in the START mode. Full power is then applied to the coil, from the starter, up the yellow wire.
At the same time power is also applied, to the coil, down the original resistor wire. The original resistor wire powers the coil in both the START and RUN mode.
The column mounted switch, in the 69, is the same switch used in later vehicles that originally came with HEI. In these vehicles there was no yellow wire from the starter to the coil. They only had a single wire to the coil.
I've heard of several cases where someone has changed the points out and installed the HEI distributor and the car doesn't start. Reason being is the ignition switch has had a problem all along and they didn't know it.
Can't tell if you have the wire from the starter or not. If you do:
1, Disconnect the yellow wire from the starter "R" terminal. Don't let it touch ground.
2, Pull the coil wire so the car doesn't fire with you under it.
3, Have someone crank the key to START. The starter motor should be turning. If not the problem is elsewhere.
4, Measure the solenoid "R" terminal to ground as the starter is spinning. You should see 12 volts. If not the problem is towards the starter.
5, Measure the disconnected yellow wire to ground as the starter is spinning. You can do this up by the top end on coil (+). If it is still connected to coil (+) you should see about 8 volts. If it's disconnected from coil (+) you should see 12 volts to ground. If you don't see any voltage in the key START position but when the key is released to the RUN position voltage comes back, take a look at the ignition switch.

Thanks guys! I guess I've got a bit of wire chasing to do!

I'll let you know how I make out.

Happy Holidays!