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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 26, 2010, 01:42:25 pm

Title: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 26, 2010, 01:42:25 pm
hi guys just need some help with my engine in my truck i recently did a 350 swap outta a 1980 gmc half ton 4wd into my 1979 gmc half ton 4wd but im having issues gettin it to crank i have battery power everywhere all lights and stuff come on when u trun the key to accessory but when u tunr it to start nothing happen not even a click or nothing idk what could be wrong id really appreciate it if you guys could give me some tips or something to look for on how to resolve this dilema thanks
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: thirsty on December 26, 2010, 02:11:33 pm
Starter hooked up correct? Got all the grounds back on?
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 26, 2010, 02:50:13 pm
as far as i can see nothing is hanging around the starter area that isnt hooked up i had done some reserach before coming here and i seen that the solenoid from the 80 wont work on a 79 (idk why or how) it said if i get a solenoid for a 79 it will run ever heard of anything like this?
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: thirsty on December 26, 2010, 02:54:49 pm
Did your put your old starter on?
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 26, 2010, 03:03:42 pm
yes when i pulled the motor outta the 80 which was a running and driving truck i never disconnected any of the engine parts except the front end of the engine (fan radiator stuff like that) i took all the wiring off and manifolds of course but didnt touch the starter, distributor or anything like that u know
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: thirsty on December 26, 2010, 03:10:08 pm
i took all the wiring off and manifolds of course but didnt touch the starter, distributor or anything like that u know

Put your 79 starter on and try that first.(simple and cost nothing)
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 26, 2010, 03:12:59 pm
thanks thirsty i will try that thanks alot one more question and not trying to sound stupid but on the solenoid which side would you hook up the small wires too cuz i know the big terminal is for the battery cable and the main harness but theres those two small terminals i can never remember what side it goes on
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: thirsty on December 26, 2010, 03:24:27 pm
Just went out and looked at mine. They are on the one closest to the block.
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 26, 2010, 03:35:32 pm
cool thnks very much i greatly appreciate it i will keep you posted on what happens
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: Lt.Del on December 26, 2010, 09:09:04 pm
my 79....



(http://www.delbridge.net/starter10.jpg)

try tapping the solenoid with a hammer, lightly, in case the solenoid is hung.
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 1980c10 on December 29, 2010, 10:54:21 pm
When i worked for john deere hauling tractors, I would have to pick them in that no start but have power condition. I would use a jumper cable (just the positive side) hook one end up to the battery and the other end to the starter they would fire right up every time. (bad battery cables) You could test the cables like this and it's quick and easy.
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 30, 2010, 01:17:30 am
so just the positive side of the battery and the starter?
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: KY..Rob on December 30, 2010, 10:10:18 am
You might check and make sure it's in park all the way. Linkages and shifters get nocked around sometimes during a swap.

I'm still curious on the 79 vs 80 solenoid?
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: Lt.Del on December 30, 2010, 10:30:40 am
solenoids for a 79 and 80 should be the same...i have yanked starters out of many of salvaged trucks at the yard and used them in my 79.

To bypass the neutral/safety switch mounted on the steering column, you can do as mentioned, take jumper cables and touch red posi from battery to big nut on solenoid where red posi cable mounts to.  You bypass the ignition and everything that way.  OR, take a smaller wire and touch the two bolts on the solenoid (little wire mount and big wire mount), thus, bypassing the ignition switch. But just bump them when doing that, don't keep them attached, it would be like keeping your key all the way on and grinding your flywheel/flexplate teeth after engine starts.  Key should be half on for both of these tests though.
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 30, 2010, 02:39:08 pm
well rob the trucks a 4spd and i even had the clutch depressed all the way an still nothing so idk and as for th solenoids im not a hundred percent sure is what i found when surfing the net about it and i thought it might be worth trying
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: KY..Rob on December 30, 2010, 11:50:35 pm
I see, My trucks a 4 speed also. Did you try bumping the starter as stated above? You can do it with a screwdriver also. This might help to track down where the problem is, Could be in the key switch or a fusible link.

Let us know, I'm curious my self.
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 31, 2010, 01:55:06 pm
ok well i had swapped out the collumns in it too cuz the old one was stripped out (from previous owner starting with a screwdriver) and i hooked every thing back up and remounted it to the collumn as it was when i took it apart and if it was something in the collumn would i have power when i turn the key on or no?
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: Lt.Del on December 31, 2010, 02:37:55 pm
you could still have power when key is still half on.  However your ignition switch could still be bad when trying to turn the key all the way.  I am not sure about the neutral safety switch now that we have learned your vehicle is a standard trans.  I don't know if there is a switch to prevent it from started while in gear and where that would be.  Perhaps a clutch switch or something.

Just try overriding the whole shebang like we discussed.  That'll narrow down your problem.
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: Grover 1 on December 31, 2010, 04:12:21 pm
That's cool Andy, shebang.  I've heard it used but never seen it in print!
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 1980c10 on December 31, 2010, 05:17:40 pm
On the back of the starter jump the little nut to the big nut and the starter will engage and turn over if not the problem is in your starter, battery cable or battery. btw make sure it is in nuetral and tires blocked with your park brake set.
Title: Re: 1979 gmc high sierra
Post by: 79HIGHSIERRA on December 31, 2010, 07:21:43 pm
ill try that and keep ya posted thanks for everything guys i greatly appreciate all the tips and help and when i get a decent camera ill post pictures of the truck