it died - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mrsmothers · 07-23-2011, 03:50 PM

So I made the hr long trip to shreveport and my truck died. I was sitting at a red light and my electrical fried. The red wire that goes to the back of the alt melted. So I replaced the wire and it still wont start. Any clues on what it could be causeing it to not get power? do you think that a dead alt would cause the whole truck not to get any power?

**72peace** · 07-23-2011, 04:02 PM

Normally wires don't melt without some cause, you need to find the cause. It could be a short internal to the alt or battery issues, or even starter issues. Not sure without physically checking it. Hope you find it.

Cheers,

MagmaJct · 07-23-2011, 06:38 PM

Okay, we will need more information, more details. The starting circuit is very simple, we need to establish a baseline. As 72peace already mentioned, the cause for the short will have to be found, but putting that aside, let's talk about the starting circuit.

Does the engine turn when trying to start? If it doesn't, what kind of voltage are we seeing at the battery? If we're seeing over 12 volts, are we seeing voltage at the ignition switch? My 71 has a removable connector behind the switch, unplug it, check for voltage coming into the switch.

I suspect that fried wire spread all the way to the switch. In fact your short may very well be under the dash. Replay with more details please.

mrsmothers · 07-23-2011, 11:04 PM

I think that it started with the negitive cable on the battery beening loose that caused the short. I am not getting any power anywhere no head lights no flashers you turn the key and nothing happens. I put the battery on a charger and it is still at 100% so thats good. I havent had a chance to look at the ing switch yet. Also no fuses blew under the dash nor can I find any more burnt wires.

71swb4x4 · 07-23-2011, 11:20 PM

I suspect you fried the first fusible link after the battery. I can't remember exactly where it is, possibly on the core support as the wire leaves the positive peg on the passenger fender and heads across the core support to the alternator.

I am really not certain on this, hopefully someone else can chime in.

68 TT · 07-24-2011, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

I suspect you fried the first fusible link after the battery. I can't remember exactly where it is, possibly on the core support as the wire leaves the positive peg on the passenger fender and heads across the core support to the alternator.

I am really not certain on this, hopefully someone else can chime in.

That's what I was going to say. Some fusible links are at the starter solenoid connection.

Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight too. Mine won't start or power up if they are even slightly loose.

Check the connection at the starter solenoid too. I have had a solenoid crack and burn out the fusible link in the process.

68 TT · 07-24-2011, 12:30 AM

If one of the wires off the starter solenoid shifted & melted then grounded out on the exhaust it would do something similar to what you have going on as well.

Make sure everything coming off the starter is well clear of the exhaust and can't move around while driving.

MikeyMan · 07-24-2011, 06:35 AM

I had the external Voltage Regulator go bad and fried the Fusable Link.

Was crusing the Interstate and noticed the Battery gauge pegged. Shortly thereafter, BANG, and coasted to a stop. Thought I "Blowed it up real good" only to determine it was just a backfire from the lost voltage. Had to get towed home, but fortunately no other wiring was damaged. Now I carry a spare Fusable Link.

MagmaJct · 07-24-2011, 11:38 AM

Can you check for voltage at the starter with a voltmeter or multimeter on the voltage setting? Does the starter "click" when you attempt to start? Does it do anything when you try to start? I think we need to know more of what it does, than what it doesn't do.

mrsmothers · 07-24-2011, 12:41 PM

I have power going to the starter and the back of the alt. Nothing happens when I turn the key its like there is no battery in the truck. I tested to see if I am getting power to the fuse block where it says ing but I am not getting any.

Longhorn Man · 07-24-2011, 12:46 PM

the fuseable link is not by the starter assuming a 67 - 72 truck, it is on the small red wire coming off the positive terminal on the battery, and goes to the small stud on the inner fender. Test for power on that stud. I'll bet the link is fried.... but then you have to figure out WHY it fried.

mrsmothers · 07-24-2011, 12:58 PM

I am getting no power to anything in the cab And other then the alt and the starter and fuseable link nothing else has power.

71swb4x4 · 07-24-2011, 01:03 PM

Do you have power at the stud on the fender?

mrsmothers · 07-24-2011, 01:21 PM

Is this the first first fusible link? Its getting power I can follow the power all the way to the back of the alt and after that nothing.

**LockDoc** · 07-24-2011, 01:32 PM

-
How about the fuses inside these fuse holders (Arrow in pic) I think they are 4 amp and there is one on each side of the core support.

LockDoc

mrsmothers · 07-24-2011, 02:20 PM

Boath fuses where blown I am going to run to the auto parts store and grab some but would that cause me not to get power to anything else?

mrsmothers · 07-24-2011, 03:43 PM

well I replaced the fuses and I have power agin. Truck still wont try to start the battery gauge says that its charged untill I turn the key then in pegs out in the dead area.
If I dont turn the key I can turn on my lights and honk the horn once I turn the key nothing. Starters not clicking and it wont try to turn over. But hey We are one step closer to getting it running sadley I am gonna miss my sunday drive

Longhorn Man · 07-25-2011, 04:35 PM

tighten your battery terminals, and check the other end of the cables where bolted to the engine and the starter

mrsmothers · 07-25-2011, 09:33 PM

So every thing I have tested in the engine bay shows thats its getting good power but everything in the cab is really weak.

71swb4x4 · 07-26-2011, 10:17 PM

Is your fuse box tight? It bolts through the firewall IIRC. Check that bolt and makes sure it's a solid connection, if that loosens you will have problems with all the cab power. Also check your ground from the firewall to the back of the engine and the cab to the frame.

mrsmothers · 08-13-2011, 03:49 PM

It LIVES!!!!!!!!!! Cut apart my whole harness and looked at every wire one by one. The second to last wire I looked at was busted.

wwotr · 08-14-2011, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsmothers

It LIVES!!!!!!!!!! Cut apart my whole harness and looked at every wire one by one. The second to last wire I looked at was busted.

BETTER THAN SEX!
(At Least For Today)!

cpisani70@aol.com · 08-13-2011, 04:34 PM

Waahoo, glad you got it figured out, this site is so awesome for all the support
Posted via Mobile Device

Frkypunk70 · 08-13-2011, 07:38 PM

For future reference , what color was the wire?

Posted via Mobile Device

**Palf70Step** · 08-13-2011, 09:47 PM

Glad you are roll'n again.

07-23-2011, 03:50 PM	#1
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	it died So I made the hr long trip to shreveport and my truck died. I was sitting at a red light and my electrical fried. The red wire that goes to the back of the alt melted. So I replaced the wire and it still wont start. Any clues on what it could be causeing it to not get power? do you think that a dead alt would cause the whole truck not to get any power?

07-23-2011, 04:02 PM	#2
72peace Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bellevue, NE Posts: 712	Re: it died Normally wires don't melt without some cause, you need to find the cause. It could be a short internal to the alt or battery issues, or even starter issues. Not sure without physically checking it. Hope you find it. Cheers,

07-23-2011, 06:38 PM	#3
MagmaJct Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 281	Re: it died Okay, we will need more information, more details. The starting circuit is very simple, we need to establish a baseline. As 72peace already mentioned, the cause for the short will have to be found, but putting that aside, let's talk about the starting circuit. Does the engine turn when trying to start? If it doesn't, what kind of voltage are we seeing at the battery? If we're seeing over 12 volts, are we seeing voltage at the ignition switch? My 71 has a removable connector behind the switch, unplug it, check for voltage coming into the switch. I suspect that fried wire spread all the way to the switch. In fact your short may very well be under the dash. Replay with more details please.

07-23-2011, 11:04 PM	#4
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died I think that it started with the negitive cable on the battery beening loose that caused the short. I am not getting any power anywhere no head lights no flashers you turn the key and nothing happens. I put the battery on a charger and it is still at 100% so thats good. I havent had a chance to look at the ing switch yet. Also no fuses blew under the dash nor can I find any more burnt wires.

07-23-2011, 11:20 PM	#5
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: it died I suspect you fried the first fusible link after the battery. I can't remember exactly where it is, possibly on the core support as the wire leaves the positive peg on the passenger fender and heads across the core support to the alternator. I am really not certain on this, hopefully someone else can chime in. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

07-24-2011, 12:30 AM	#7
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: it died If one of the wires off the starter solenoid shifted & melted then grounded out on the exhaust it would do something similar to what you have going on as well. Make sure everything coming off the starter is well clear of the exhaust and can't move around while driving. __________________ miSSed opportunity - ground up creation of an AWD 1994 454 SS that never was http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=795577 69 C10 shortbed stepside 400 small block - built like what a super sport truck could have been 69 K20 lwb TBI 350 4L60E NP208 14-bolt Dana-44 w/disc 68 Camaro SS / RS 500hp 439 inch roller cam big block 4L80E 79 Malibu TPI 350 4L60 w/ Z28 steering & sway bars

07-24-2011, 06:35 AM	#8
MikeyMan Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.W. Chicago, IL. Posts: 317	Re: it died I had the external Voltage Regulator go bad and fried the Fusable Link. Was crusing the Interstate and noticed the Battery gauge pegged. Shortly thereafter, BANG, and coasted to a stop. Thought I "Blowed it up real good" only to determine it was just a backfire from the lost voltage. Had to get towed home, but fortunately no other wiring was damaged. Now I carry a spare Fusable Link.

07-24-2011, 11:38 AM	#9
MagmaJct Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 281	Re: it died Can you check for voltage at the starter with a voltmeter or multimeter on the voltage setting? Does the starter "click" when you attempt to start? Does it do anything when you try to start? I think we need to know more of what it does, than what it doesn't do.

07-24-2011, 12:41 PM	#10
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died I have power going to the starter and the back of the alt. Nothing happens when I turn the key its like there is no battery in the truck. I tested to see if I am getting power to the fuse block where it says ing but I am not getting any.

07-24-2011, 12:46 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: it died the fuseable link is not by the starter assuming a 67 - 72 truck, it is on the small red wire coming off the positive terminal on the battery, and goes to the small stud on the inner fender. Test for power on that stud. I'll bet the link is fried.... but then you have to figure out WHY it fried.

07-24-2011, 12:58 PM	#12
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died I am getting no power to anything in the cab And other then the alt and the starter and fuseable link nothing else has power.

07-24-2011, 01:03 PM	#13
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: it died Do you have power at the stud on the fender? __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

07-24-2011, 01:21 PM	#14
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died Is this the first first fusible link? Its getting power I can follow the power all the way to the back of the alt and after that nothing. Attached Images

07-24-2011, 01:32 PM	#15
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,487	Re: it died - How about the fuses inside these fuse holders (Arrow in pic) I think they are 4 amp and there is one on each side of the core support. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

07-24-2011, 02:20 PM	#16
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died Boath fuses where blown I am going to run to the auto parts store and grab some but would that cause me not to get power to anything else?



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07-24-2011, 03:43 PM	#17
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died well I replaced the fuses and I have power agin. Truck still wont try to start the battery gauge says that its charged untill I turn the key then in pegs out in the dead area. If I dont turn the key I can turn on my lights and honk the horn once I turn the key nothing. Starters not clicking and it wont try to turn over. But hey We are one step closer to getting it running sadley I am gonna miss my sunday drive Last edited by mrsmothers; 07-24-2011 at 03:59 PM.

07-25-2011, 04:35 PM	#18
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: it died tighten your battery terminals, and check the other end of the cables where bolted to the engine and the starter

07-25-2011, 09:33 PM	#19
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died So every thing I have tested in the engine bay shows thats its getting good power but everything in the cab is really weak.

07-26-2011, 10:17 PM	#20
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: it died Is your fuse box tight? It bolts through the firewall IIRC. Check that bolt and makes sure it's a solid connection, if that loosens you will have problems with all the cab power. Also check your ground from the firewall to the back of the engine and the cab to the frame. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-13-2011, 03:49 PM	#21
mrsmothers Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ruston la Posts: 169	Re: it died It LIVES!!!!!!!!!! Cut apart my whole harness and looked at every wire one by one. The second to last wire I looked at was busted.

08-13-2011, 04:34 PM	#23
cpisani70@aol.com Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Wallingford CT Posts: 260	Re: it died Waahoo, glad you got it figured out, this site is so awesome for all the support Posted via Mobile Device

08-13-2011, 07:38 PM	#24
Frkypunk70 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Scranton,Pa Posts: 423	Re: it died For future reference , what color was the wire? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car. "

08-13-2011, 09:47 PM	#25
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,863	Re: it died Glad you are roll'n again. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

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