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04-05-2015, 11:32 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Waukee, IOWA
Posts: 18
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If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
I have a very strange situation with my 72 c10 big block.
Truck runs great and is a blast to drive. But I am very hesitant to drive it anywhere because sometimes it won't start. I have full power from battery (dash lights work, headlights work and radio works) but truck doesn't turnover of make any noise. Does the old c10's have something to do with trans not being all the way in park even though it is? I only ask because yesterday when it would not start in driveway I put it in drive then back in park and it started. it is so strange happened 2 times in last week and then it will turn over and start with no issue. I dont remember what I did 2 weeks ago when it started so i can't confirm it has something to do wit transmission. advice please kerley |
04-05-2015, 11:37 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,189
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
Check your neutral safety switch. It's the half circle on the bottom of the column. It's held in place by two screws and is adjustable left to right a little. That's where I'd start.
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04-05-2015, 11:40 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Williston, ND
Posts: 2,999
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
Could be your neutral safety switch on the top of your steering column. If it doesn't register its in park, it won't crank
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68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi |
04-05-2015, 11:44 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Williamston SC
Posts: 45
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
When it doesnt start? Can you wait alil and then it will start?
Either way you need start checking for loose or broke wires or connectors. Make sure all are tight and clean. Check all grounds also! Could be a starter solenoid or neutral safety switch. Have you tried shaking the wire harness when you have the starting issue? Reading what you wrote makes me lean toward a possible neutral safety switch. Most gm have two wires goin to switch. unplug wire and put a jumper in them. If this seems to stop issue switch could be bad or out of adjustment! Good Luck !! |
04-05-2015, 11:47 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Waukee, IOWA
Posts: 18
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
thanks anyone have a pic of the switch so I know what I am looking for
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04-05-2015, 11:55 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,189
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
It's impossible to miss. It's the ONLY thing on the lower column shaft half circle shaped with wires plugged into it. It's on the top side (same positioning as the gearshift indicator) just before the column exits the firewall.
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04-05-2015, 01:06 PM | #7 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,945
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
Here you go!
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
04-05-2015, 01:22 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Marianna Arkansas
Posts: 7,280
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
Just for testings sake, you can jump the two purple wires and see what the truck does. That will eliminate the switch or its adjustment beig off some. They have a condition that that wear where the tab[or tang depending] that comes from the switch to the shifter tube gets worn real bad making them go bad. Jim
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04-05-2015, 01:29 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Space Coast, Fl.
Posts: 1,055
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
Yesterday I got in the Blazer at the grocery store, turned the key and NOTHING happened. I sat there a minute and cussed it good. I wiggled the key up and down while I turned it and it fired right up. It's done it a few times before and I think the switch is failing. Not sure if it starts because I wiggle the key up and down or because I cuss it so good. I don't have a neutral safety switch,.... std. trans. and it will start in gear.
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Dad always said, "Son, WISH IN ONE HAND, and ......." -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Current toy trucks: '71 GMC 1500 SUPER CUSTOM short/step, orig. dk. blue, 350/700r, ps,pb, A/C '72 Blazer 2wd, ochre & white, 454, tremecTKO 500 5spd. ps, pb, A/C, tilt Last 10yrs of hobby vehicles, had a FEW more in the 50yrs. before these: '66 Plymouth Belvedere City of Miami cop car clone. '70 Nova 406"sb, 13.5-1, solid roller, Brodix, p.glide/t.brake, back halved, 9" Ford, spool 4.88, cage,ladder bar/coilover, 10.5 tire....... SOLD!! '67 C10 short/step side mount spare -- SOLD!! '72 Jimmy 2wd, 350/350, ps, pb, fun driver, lots of bondo & a shiny red paint job..... SOLD!! '69 Nova 350, 4spd, A/C, ps, p.b, ...SOLD!! |
04-05-2015, 11:55 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Leland, Il
Posts: 1,503
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
I have same problem in my 68 suburban. So far too lazy to adjust everything ,I just push the selector lever to make sure its in park when it wont turn over and it fires right up.
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04-06-2015, 10:47 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
Posts: 7,500
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
in my 72, when I first reinstalled the column, I had to pick up on the shift lever a little while cranking it. I started to leave it as a "theft deterrent", but decided if my wife ever had to drive it, it would be best to have everything as functionally correct as possible.
I hate to admit it, but I used a 3/8 extension and a hammer to tap the switch from underneath on the left side to adjust it. ( I didn't have to wail on it, just a couple of love taps.) Those little mounting screws on the NSS are a bear to get to on an installed column |
04-06-2015, 01:30 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Chandler AZ
Posts: 1,149
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
My truck used to do the same thing. I noticed the Ammeter would deflect when I turned the key and return to center when I let go. IF I'd tap the starter when someone else turned the key, it'd start. I replaced the wiring from the connector to the starter...that worked for a few months then it started again. Replaced the craptastic solenoid on the starter with a U.S.A. made solenoid....still works to this day! All solenoids are not created equally. The one on there is a Standard Ignition Parts piece. Also the points they had were great! Blue Streak points...
Next time it happens, see if the ammeter moves when you turn the key. P.S. I just checked and the Standard Motor Parts solenoids are now made in Mexico....I don't know if that will affect the performance of the part. Just get a good quality solenoid. Yours could be heat soaking.
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 Last edited by Longhorn 70; 04-06-2015 at 01:36 PM. |
04-06-2015, 01:44 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: If it isn't one thing it is something else PLEASE HELP
The purple wire that fires the solenoid. Resistance in this wire, normally from people cutting it to install an ammeter or something similar, will cause this problem.
If this is the cause, it will also be worse when hot and almost never happen on a cold start. That usually distinguishes it from the NSS (unless it's working but with marginal contacts). If it's the same cold, ignore my post. But if its worse when hot, there you go. You cannot measure resistance in the wire because it will be too low anyway. Really the only way to know would be to get it into a no-start situation, measure voltage present at the solenoid -during- a crank attempt, and see where you're at. Only voltage drop will tell you this, not a simple resistance test.
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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