87 Backfired and died

[tigercam]

Had recently replaced the battery and starter on my 87 Silverado 350. Driving down the highway 30 mph and i started to hear a whining noise and then the truck backfired once and died. Pulled it over to the side of the road. Tried to restart it but it wouldnt do anything. Radio wouldnt come on, turn signals, wipers or flashers wouldnt work. But headlights would still come on. I dont know where to begin to figure out what went wrong. Please help. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[Lt.Del]

How recently did you replace the starter/battery?  Are you sure the hot wire leading to the solenoid didn't ground out?  It is easy to do, if the wire is'nt tighten on the solenoid perfectly. 

I believe your fusible link may need to be looked at.  It is on one of the hot red wires on the solenoid, a long plastic cylinder looking thing.   

Also, check your positive cables from battery to starter ensure the cable didn't rub bear and ground out on frame. That happened to me and the cable burned in two with nothing but ashes left. Ensure cable is secured with brackets and hold down clamps.

[tigercam]

Replaced the starter/battery a week ago. Probably drove the truck 30 miles since it was replaced. The issue of the radio, wipers, and signals not working now, what contributed to those not operating now.

[dustystrucktoo]

You have a direct hot, which allows for power, then you have a chosen hot, meaning that you need the key to allow current.  That chosen power is connected at your starter selenoid.  (however it is spelled_
I do believe that you either installed the starter incorrectly with lack of or too many shims, OR>>>  You were given a defective starter.
In my opinion...  If I need shims for the starter, I don't want it.  I want a direct bolt, no shims and will pay the big price for a good factory like starter.
But I do appreciate having a starter rebuilt and beefed a little.  Find a rebuild shop if you make it to that point. 

[VileZambonie]

 

Listen to what SGT DEL said. Check your wires near the starter, near the exhaust manifold, near the back of the cylinder head which are prone to chafing through or melting and shorting to ground which will blow the fusible link.