Author Topic: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15  (Read 4369 times)

Offline Chase.Craddock

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Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« on: July 14, 2020, 04:22:50 PM »
Hey guys, I have a 1979 GMC c15 with a 1998 Chevy 5.7L 350 motor and I’m having trouble getting it started. When I turn the ignition on the solenoid engages but it does not turn over. I’ve replaced the starter motor and verified that the battery is good. I’ve checked by hand and the motor turns freely. Do y’all have any ideas of anything else I could have missed or anything I should look for?


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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #1 on: July 14, 2020, 05:51:03 PM »
What happens if you try to jump start it? What happens when you hear the solenoid? Does it just click?
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Chase.Craddock

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2020, 06:03:51 PM »
Yeas it just clicks. I’ve tried using different batteries but Same thing keeps happening


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Offline mikes78k20

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2020, 06:13:27 PM »
Check your ground connections.

Offline Chase.Craddock

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2020, 06:42:33 PM »
I checked all those and cleaned up with a wire brush about a week ago


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Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2020, 11:05:46 PM »
Did you change the solenoid too? or just the 'starter motor'?
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Chase.Craddock

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Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2020, 12:47:14 AM »
They were both changed it’s and Ac Delco part from rockauto.com

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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2020, 07:00:52 AM »
Sounds like a defective starter. I would avoid mail ordering things like this that will leave you disabled, awaiting shipments and cores or defects being mailed back and forth. Buy local and if there's a problem you can get it resolved same day. It's not worth the few extra dollars you might save because it's pay me now or pay me later with the gamble.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠¯¯¯¯¯'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline mikes78k20

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #8 on: July 15, 2020, 10:15:19 AM »
On the solenoid, there should be two small posts horizontally from each other...do you have the starter wire hooked up correctly? Looking at it from the back, there should be a pink wire going to the post with the 'S'.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #9 on: July 15, 2020, 01:34:00 PM »
Pretty sure he wired it correctly since he says it 'clicks'.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline MIKE S

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #10 on: July 15, 2020, 05:25:38 PM »
You could have high resistance in one or both cables. It would be hard to check resistance without a load on it. If either cable looks suspicious, corroded  or you have "repair" ends on them then replace. Make sure ground cable is attached to block or intake manifold boss. Do not attach it to an exhaust component or piggy back it to another wire.

Offline mikes78k20

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #11 on: July 15, 2020, 07:44:18 PM »
Pretty sure he wired it correctly since he says it 'clicks'.

You'd be surprised at what I've seen in 30 years as a mechanic....just because it clicks doesn't mean it's wired correctly...or have full current going to the starter.

To the OP:
Remove it and take it to your parts house. They have equipment to check it for you.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #12 on: July 15, 2020, 08:08:47 PM »
I was referring to the solenoid being wired correctly. No offense intended.

I agree, DC is a strange and mysterious harnessing of the finger of God.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Mike81K10

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #13 on: July 15, 2020, 09:11:14 PM »
Jump solenoid posts to see if it will start! As JP said, auto part stores will check it for free on their bench. If bad, buy a new one at the parts store and send yours back to Rock Auto for a refund.
« Last Edit: July 15, 2020, 09:14:42 PM by Mike81K10 »
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Offline Chase.Craddock

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Re: Starting problem on 79 GMC C15
« Reply #14 on: July 16, 2020, 01:52:45 AM »
Pretty sure he wired it correctly since he says it 'clicks'.

You'd be surprised at what I've seen in 30 years as a mechanic....just because it clicks doesn't mean it's wired correctly...or have full current going to the starter.

To the OP:
Remove it and take it to your parts house. They have equipment to check it for you.
Alright I’ll do that next time I get the chance thanks


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