Truck won't start - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MONTE · 10-08-2010, 12:05 PM

Truck was working fine a few weeks ago. Parked it for 2 weeks. I tried to turn it on today and nothing.
It cranks over.
Checked for power to distributor-12vs.
No spark to spark plugs.
Changed the Coil, Rotor, Module, Cap.
Still no spark.

What should i do next? Its a crate engine with about 500 miles on it.

yob2kanobe · 10-08-2010, 12:34 PM

Are you sure the dizzy is turning? Check to see that it is, you may have sheared the pin on the drive gear

MONTE · 10-08-2010, 01:09 PM

I'll check it when I get home.
Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

dmwphoto · 10-08-2010, 01:14 PM

points dist or HEI?

DaSchlange · 10-08-2010, 01:20 PM

Yea take the distributor cap off and have someone crank it for you to make sure it's turning. Sounds like it is the pinion gear.

MONTE · 10-08-2010, 01:25 PM

HEI
Posted via Mobile Device

red71cheyenne · 10-08-2010, 03:51 PM

Is this a new 12V wire to the dizzy or the old yellow one? You need a completely new 12V wire to it and you might check to see if your module gave up.

MONTE · 10-08-2010, 10:30 PM

Took the cap off and gave it a crank. It turns.
Everything is new in it, what should I check now?
Wire is new and has 12v. Checked it with a voltmeter.

MONTE · 10-09-2010, 11:43 AM

Should I take the distributor off and take a closer look at it? It came with the crate engine. Don't know what else it could be
Posted via Mobile Device

MONTE · 10-09-2010, 02:40 PM

The only thing left to change out is the puck up coil. How often do they go out?
Posted via Mobile Device

1968CHEVYC10 · 10-09-2010, 02:53 PM

Did you change your spark plugs? If so it may be your wires, you can stick a screw driver into one and hold it close to a good ground (make sure you have good insulation between your hand and the metal in the screw driver) and have someone crank it while you watch for spark. If you've got spark it's your plugs if not then it could be your wires.

swampfox · 10-09-2010, 02:55 PM

You might check the screws that hold the coil to the cap. I have seen where the tip of the screw was just through the inside of the cap causeing a short or miss fire. also check the underside of the module for grease ,with out it the module won't last.

yob2kanobe · 10-09-2010, 06:35 PM

Double check that you have 12vdc to the dist. WHILE the engine is cranking, not just when the key is on.

MONTE · 10-09-2010, 07:30 PM

I made sure I put grease under the module when I installed it.
I have 12 vlts when the key is on and around 8-9 vlts when I crank it.
Posted via Mobile Device

**68 Stepside** · 10-09-2010, 10:43 PM

I would find a junkyard, pick up a cheap HEI and try that. Might be a broken wire or something.

DaSchlange · 10-09-2010, 11:03 PM

You know it's funny that you have this problem, because I have the EXACT same problem right now. I am going to check and see if I have 12 volts whenever I turn my crank as well. I have voltage going to the distributor and I just replaced my module today...50 bucks later, no luck. What I did is narrowed it down. I know for sure that I have power going to it, as for power coming out, nadda. I pulled my plug out and then put it back into the plug wire and held it up to the head to see if it would jump a spark, and it would not. Sooo...I know that I have power going to it, just not power coming from it. I am having to believe that it is a burnt coil. I am ordering a new one tonight and we will see what happens when I get it. Let me know if anything else suffices...

tonypaul · 10-09-2010, 11:14 PM

Those modules are a pain sometimes. You can get one that lasts for years, get a new one and it only last a few months. Just be sure to use the white grease supplied with the mdule its supposed to keep it insulated..??..

DaSchlange · 10-10-2010, 08:52 AM

Yes, dielectric grease. You can also buy tubes of it at your local parts store.

JoeChevy1010 · 10-10-2010, 09:41 AM

Here is a problem I ran into. Truck ran fine till I changed my engine, including the starter and cleaning up the wires under the hood. The engine cranked and would fire but would not stay running.

My problem was this after research on here of all places. The ignition wire was sending out the correct volts to the starter and to the coil. But, it did not get electricity to the coil after the initial "turn over." My problem was the ignition wire needed to be split. One going to the coil, and and one to the starter. After ignition, the other post on the starter needed to come up and connect to the coil also. Electricity was coming off of the opposite starter pole and was not getting electricity unless that second wire came off the starter too.

Not sure if this is your problem, but checking wire connections and tracing wires sure might pay off.

MONTE · 10-10-2010, 12:12 PM

I had another Disturbutor, so I tried it. Same problem. What should I check next?

Gobbles · 10-10-2010, 12:23 PM

Maybe try a different battery or jumping it, it sounds like its possible the 8-9 volts cranking isn't quite enough for the spark? Or perhaps the wires or plugs are shot. Seems like it won't be the HEI if you put a different one in and had the same problem

68GMCCustom · 10-10-2010, 12:44 PM

the voltage drop sounds like the problem to me. I'm thinking an HEI needs more then 8v-9v. sounds like theres some resistance in the circuit?
bad ground, bad connection, etc. ?

yob2kanobe · 10-10-2010, 01:18 PM

Use a jumper wire directly from the +battery to the dizzy +12v and see if it starts. If so, the voltage drop in your wire is your problem.

MONTE · 10-10-2010, 01:42 PM

Thats it!!! Wire is the problem!!!

68GMCCustom · 10-10-2010, 01:52 PM

glad we could help!

10-08-2010, 12:05 PM	#1
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Truck won't start Truck was working fine a few weeks ago. Parked it for 2 weeks. I tried to turn it on today and nothing. It cranks over. Checked for power to distributor-12vs. No spark to spark plugs. Changed the Coil, Rotor, Module, Cap. Still no spark. What should i do next? Its a crate engine with about 500 miles on it.

10-08-2010, 12:34 PM	#2
yob2kanobe Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SE Washington state Posts: 80	Re: Truck won't start Are you sure the dizzy is turning? Check to see that it is, you may have sheared the pin on the drive gear

10-08-2010, 01:09 PM	#3
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start I'll check it when I get home. Thanks Posted via Mobile Device

10-08-2010, 01:14 PM	#4
dmwphoto Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 573	Re: Truck won't start points dist or HEI?

10-08-2010, 01:20 PM	#5
DaSchlange Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gainesville, MO Posts: 251	Re: Truck won't start Yea take the distributor cap off and have someone crank it for you to make sure it's turning. Sounds like it is the pinion gear.

10-08-2010, 01:25 PM	#6
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start HEI Posted via Mobile Device

10-08-2010, 03:51 PM	#7
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Truck won't start Is this a new 12V wire to the dizzy or the old yellow one? You need a completely new 12V wire to it and you might check to see if your module gave up. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

10-08-2010, 10:30 PM	#8
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start Took the cap off and gave it a crank. It turns. Everything is new in it, what should I check now? Wire is new and has 12v. Checked it with a voltmeter.

10-09-2010, 11:43 AM	#9
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start Should I take the distributor off and take a closer look at it? It came with the crate engine. Don't know what else it could be Posted via Mobile Device

10-09-2010, 02:40 PM	#10
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start The only thing left to change out is the puck up coil. How often do they go out? Posted via Mobile Device

10-09-2010, 02:53 PM	#11
1968CHEVYC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 578	Re: Truck won't start Did you change your spark plugs? If so it may be your wires, you can stick a screw driver into one and hold it close to a good ground (make sure you have good insulation between your hand and the metal in the screw driver) and have someone crank it while you watch for spark. If you've got spark it's your plugs if not then it could be your wires. __________________ '68 C10 LWB 6.2NA/NP833 3.73's

10-09-2010, 02:55 PM	#12
swampfox Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: nw arkansas Posts: 41	Re: Truck won't start You might check the screws that hold the coil to the cap. I have seen where the tip of the screw was just through the inside of the cap causeing a short or miss fire. also check the underside of the module for grease ,with out it the module won't last. __________________ 69 gmc 4x4 lwb 327 4sd not running

10-09-2010, 06:35 PM	#13
yob2kanobe Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SE Washington state Posts: 80	Re: Truck won't start Double check that you have 12vdc to the dist. WHILE the engine is cranking, not just when the key is on.

10-09-2010, 07:30 PM	#14
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start I made sure I put grease under the module when I installed it. I have 12 vlts when the key is on and around 8-9 vlts when I crank it. Posted via Mobile Device

10-09-2010, 10:43 PM	#15
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	Re: Truck won't start I would find a junkyard, pick up a cheap HEI and try that. Might be a broken wire or something. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

10-09-2010, 11:03 PM	#16
DaSchlange Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gainesville, MO Posts: 251	Re: Truck won't start You know it's funny that you have this problem, because I have the EXACT same problem right now. I am going to check and see if I have 12 volts whenever I turn my crank as well. I have voltage going to the distributor and I just replaced my module today...50 bucks later, no luck. What I did is narrowed it down. I know for sure that I have power going to it, as for power coming out, nadda. I pulled my plug out and then put it back into the plug wire and held it up to the head to see if it would jump a spark, and it would not. Sooo...I know that I have power going to it, just not power coming from it. I am having to believe that it is a burnt coil. I am ordering a new one tonight and we will see what happens when I get it. Let me know if anything else suffices...

10-09-2010, 11:14 PM	#17
tonypaul Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Austin Tx Posts: 639	Re: Truck won't start Those modules are a pain sometimes. You can get one that lasts for years, get a new one and it only last a few months. Just be sure to use the white grease supplied with the mdule its supposed to keep it insulated..??..

10-10-2010, 08:52 AM	#18
DaSchlange Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gainesville, MO Posts: 251	Re: Truck won't start Yes, dielectric grease. You can also buy tubes of it at your local parts store.

10-10-2010, 09:41 AM	#19
JoeChevy1010 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Killeen, Tx Posts: 19	Re: Truck won't start Here is a problem I ran into. Truck ran fine till I changed my engine, including the starter and cleaning up the wires under the hood. The engine cranked and would fire but would not stay running. My problem was this after research on here of all places. The ignition wire was sending out the correct volts to the starter and to the coil. But, it did not get electricity to the coil after the initial "turn over." My problem was the ignition wire needed to be split. One going to the coil, and and one to the starter. After ignition, the other post on the starter needed to come up and connect to the coil also. Electricity was coming off of the opposite starter pole and was not getting electricity unless that second wire came off the starter too. Not sure if this is your problem, but checking wire connections and tracing wires sure might pay off.

10-10-2010, 12:12 PM	#20
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start I had another Disturbutor, so I tried it. Same problem. What should I check next?

10-10-2010, 12:23 PM	#21
Gobbles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: British Columbia Posts: 484	Re: Truck won't start Maybe try a different battery or jumping it, it sounds like its possible the 8-9 volts cranking isn't quite enough for the spark? Or perhaps the wires or plugs are shot. Seems like it won't be the HEI if you put a different one in and had the same problem __________________ Trevor "You already said spite"

10-10-2010, 12:44 PM	#22
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: Truck won't start the voltage drop sounds like the problem to me. I'm thinking an HEI needs more then 8v-9v. sounds like theres some resistance in the circuit? bad ground, bad connection, etc. ? __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

10-10-2010, 01:18 PM	#23
yob2kanobe Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SE Washington state Posts: 80	Re: Truck won't start Use a jumper wire directly from the +battery to the dizzy +12v and see if it starts. If so, the voltage drop in your wire is your problem.

10-10-2010, 01:42 PM	#24
MONTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Donna, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Truck won't start Thats it!!! Wire is the problem!!!

10-10-2010, 01:52 PM	#25
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: Truck won't start glad we could help! __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.