1979 gmc high sierra

[79HIGHSIERRA]

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

[thirsty]

Starter hooked up correct? Got all the grounds back on?

[79HIGHSIERRA]

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?

[thirsty]

Did your put your old starter on?

[79HIGHSIERRA]

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

[thirsty]

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)

[79HIGHSIERRA]

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

[thirsty]

Just went out and looked at mine. They are on the one closest to the block.

[79HIGHSIERRA]

cool thnks very much i greatly appreciate it i will keep you posted on what happens

[Lt.Del]

my 79....





try tapping the solenoid with a hammer, lightly, in case the solenoid is hung.

[1980c10]

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.

[79HIGHSIERRA]

so just the positive side of the battery and the starter?

[KY..Rob]

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?

[Lt.Del]

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.

[79HIGHSIERRA]

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