SBC advice for not starting. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cheyenne20 · 03-02-2010, 07:30 PM

So im pretty new to the whole 350 sbc scene. When i put the truck under load for to long it will just die and not want to start up. It will turn over for a few minutes then all I will hear is clicking. I Changed my starter plugs wires and oil. before i go to much farther i wanted to get some ideas of what I may need to do to get her running in tip top shape again....

bigguy69 · 03-02-2010, 07:34 PM

is it running hot? sounds like it is getting to hot and may not want to start back

silverstreak · 03-02-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigguy69

is it running hot? sounds like it is getting to hot and may not want to start back

That's exactly what I was getting ready to say.

cheyenne20 · 03-02-2010, 07:39 PM

the stock thermostat is disconnected and there is a new one that was installed but dont know how accurate. it stays right at 200 but never goes any further.

OhOneWS6 · 03-02-2010, 07:47 PM

How are you putting the truck under a load?

cheyenne20 · 03-02-2010, 07:50 PM

just regular driving for the most part. but other than that going from 45 - 50 mph. thats the last time it died on me. since then i have not had a problem but i have been babying it to and from work. two miles each way.

cdowns · 03-02-2010, 07:56 PM

if you have points they like to b cleaned and gapped same with spark plugs // air cleaners fuel filter in carb and also in gas tanks need regular changes// ground wire connections are good to cleanup for a good flow of juice //

tynot · 03-02-2010, 08:01 PM

check the timing might be out

Jacfourteen · 03-02-2010, 08:03 PM

Sounds like it is cutting out because it's starved for gas. I'd check the fuel filter, crud in the tank or lines, fuel pressure at carb, correct fuel cap (vented or not) and the float level in the carb to start with. I'm not sure on the starting issue but I'd start looking at grounds and other connections as stated above, then check the timing because if you're too far advanced it will crank harder or not at all when hot. Good luck and let us know what you find.

cheyenne20 · 03-03-2010, 10:20 AM

Im starting with the pionts cap and rotor and gaping the plugs to make sure they are all at .35, so far thats what ive heard they need to be at. then the timing. should i switch to an hei system or just keep the points for now?

cdowns · 03-03-2010, 10:52 AM

i'd tune up withj the points to get running and verify the overall condition of the motor and get your fuel system cleaned and flowing right b4 changing out anything

idastang · 03-03-2010, 01:03 PM

Another area to look into is your charging system. If your battery is in good shape it will run your truck, but once it gets low your truck will start to cut out and even die. When you try to start it back up it won't have the cranking power to start your truck and you will just get clicking from the starter. A simple test to check your charging system is to start the truck and disconect the positive cable from the battery. If your truck keeps runing the charge system is working, if the truck dies then it is runing off just the battery. You can do this or go to a nearby shop and they can check the system for you.

03-02-2010, 07:30 PM	#1
cheyenne20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: boise, Id Posts: 22	SBC advice for not starting. So im pretty new to the whole 350 sbc scene. When i put the truck under load for to long it will just die and not want to start up. It will turn over for a few minutes then all I will hear is clicking. I Changed my starter plugs wires and oil. before i go to much farther i wanted to get some ideas of what I may need to do to get her running in tip top shape again....

03-02-2010, 07:34 PM	#2
bigguy69 dazed and confused Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: marion nc Posts: 1,649	Re: SBC advice for not starting. is it running hot? sounds like it is getting to hot and may not want to start back __________________ members met: redbaron69, billsbowtie,nc67

03-02-2010, 07:39 PM	#4
cheyenne20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: boise, Id Posts: 22	Re: SBC advice for not starting. the stock thermostat is disconnected and there is a new one that was installed but dont know how accurate. it stays right at 200 but never goes any further. Last edited by cheyenne20; 03-02-2010 at 07:41 PM.

03-02-2010, 07:47 PM	#5
OhOneWS6 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 764	Re: SBC advice for not starting. How are you putting the truck under a load? __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 1/2 LWB White/Dark Yellow 07 Avalanche 2LT 74 Sleek Craft Rebel Jet Boat W/Pontiac 400

03-02-2010, 07:50 PM	#6
cheyenne20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: boise, Id Posts: 22	Re: SBC advice for not starting. just regular driving for the most part. but other than that going from 45 - 50 mph. thats the last time it died on me. since then i have not had a problem but i have been babying it to and from work. two miles each way.

03-02-2010, 07:56 PM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: SBC advice for not starting. if you have points they like to b cleaned and gapped same with spark plugs // air cleaners fuel filter in carb and also in gas tanks need regular changes// ground wire connections are good to cleanup for a good flow of juice // __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-02-2010, 08:01 PM	#8
tynot Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: north brunswick nj Posts: 3	Re: SBC advice for not starting. check the timing might be out

03-02-2010, 08:03 PM	#9
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: SBC advice for not starting. Sounds like it is cutting out because it's starved for gas. I'd check the fuel filter, crud in the tank or lines, fuel pressure at carb, correct fuel cap (vented or not) and the float level in the carb to start with. I'm not sure on the starting issue but I'd start looking at grounds and other connections as stated above, then check the timing because if you're too far advanced it will crank harder or not at all when hot. Good luck and let us know what you find. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

03-03-2010, 10:20 AM	#10
cheyenne20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: boise, Id Posts: 22	Re: SBC advice for not starting. Im starting with the pionts cap and rotor and gaping the plugs to make sure they are all at .35, so far thats what ive heard they need to be at. then the timing. should i switch to an hei system or just keep the points for now?

03-03-2010, 10:52 AM	#11
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: SBC advice for not starting. i'd tune up withj the points to get running and verify the overall condition of the motor and get your fuel system cleaned and flowing right b4 changing out anything __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-03-2010, 01:03 PM	#12
idastang Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: cedar city ut Posts: 34	Re: SBC advice for not starting. Another area to look into is your charging system. If your battery is in good shape it will run your truck, but once it gets low your truck will start to cut out and even die. When you try to start it back up it won't have the cranking power to start your truck and you will just get clicking from the starter. A simple test to check your charging system is to start the truck and disconect the positive cable from the battery. If your truck keeps runing the charge system is working, if the truck dies then it is runing off just the battery. You can do this or go to a nearby shop and they can check the system for you.



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