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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: Dirtylow85 on September 30, 2021, 03:56:15 PM

Title: Truck will not start
Post by: Dirtylow85 on September 30, 2021, 03:56:15 PM
Hello All,

I am new to the forum and in a bit of a pickle. Parked my truck after running for about an hour, went to crank it up and nothing. Had to get the wife to tow me home. I initially thought it was an issue with my alarm but after checking the bypass switch, i found that I did not have signal/hazard lights and the rear lights would turn on when braking. moved the truck into the garage and the next morning, hazards were going and the truck cranked up. I had the starter tested and it passed but I did notice that three wires tied into the alternator and starter looked fried. I purchased the same gauge wire and cut out the (burned) portions but after connecting the starter and charging the battery, the truck still wont start. Any thoughts on what the issue could be? Any help is greatly appreciated. TIA 1985 Chevy SWB w/ 305 sbc
Title: Re: Truck will not start
Post by: bd on September 30, 2021, 04:55:37 PM
Which wires burned?  Did you replace burned/melted fusible links with standard wire? 
Title: Re: Truck will not start
Post by: JohnnyPopper on September 30, 2021, 08:49:57 PM
Sounds like it...don't tell VZ  :-X

Benefit of the doubt it was just to see if that was the fix. ;)

Title: Re: Truck will not start
Post by: Dirtylow85 on October 01, 2021, 08:27:30 AM
That is exactly what I did. Didn't realize that they were fusible links. i looked into it a little more yesterday and realized that was the issue. I am purchasing new fusible wiring today.

thanks for the input.
Title: Re: Truck will not start
Post by: bd on October 01, 2021, 09:51:59 AM
A fusible link is a unique type of ultra-slow-blow fuse.  When one melts, there is a cause for it.  To decrease the chances of a repeat occurrence, identify which specific circuits were involved and trace those wires using the 1985 Wiring Manual (http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techinfo/7387CKMans//Wiring/ST_352_85_1985_Chevrolet_GMC_Light_Truc_Wiring_Manual_CK_10_30_Only.pdf) as your guide.  Look for wires that are burned, pinched, chafed, sliced, or otherwise inadvertently grounded.  Common areas of concern are the vicinity of the starter, because of close proximity to the exhaust, and rearward where the wires turn the corner through a short steel conduit and route up between the engine and firewall.  Occasionally, wires become pinched between the transmission bell and the back of the block when a transmission is removed and reinstalled.

When replacing fusible links, refer to How to make a Fusible Link (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=11972.msg45217#msg45217) and Fuses and Circuit Protection (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=35587.msg300859#msg300859) for crucial information.

Title: Re: Truck will not start
Post by: Dirtylow85 on October 01, 2021, 10:03:56 AM
Thanks BD, I will definitely use your attached links!