1987 suburban no crank or start

[cheepin]

I have a 1987 3/4ton suburban with the 5.7TBI. Today I went out and opened the door reached in and started it. Started just like normal. NO slow crank or anything. I let it run and walked away. About 20-30 secs later it died and no won't crank or anything. Has power to the lights and such. Just no crank or anything. NO clicking like the starter is going bad. Does have the normal chevy loose tilt steering column. Any help would be great thanks, Brady

[BLOWN73]

Chevy the fuse to the dizzy

If that's not it check all the fuses

Next step, check any fuseable links

Next if all that checks out it may be an ignition switch ( not the key cylinder but the switch)

[cheepin]

I have power to the switch,13volts. I put a new switch in and all the normal dash lights came on. Hit the key and it turned over for a few sec. Then quit and is now doing the same thing. Got dark so I didn't check to see it I still have power to the switch.

[BLOWN73]

Check to make sure the rod that goes to ign switch isn't bent or broken

[cheepin]

Anyone have an engine side wiring diagram. I see 2 red wires going into the fuseblock. I assume they are both power. 1 has power the other doesn't. Looks like one goes to the fusible link and is testing fine.

I tested both the new and old switch on my crawler and both are good. Crawler uses an 88 chevy truck column.

[463]

Take a look at these http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=11766.0

[cheepin]

Originally Posted by 463

Take a look at these http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=11766.0

Thanks I found I was wrong both are getting power. Don't know where to look next. I see no visibly damaged wires under the dash.

[68Timber]

Have you checked the HEI ignition module? Quick and easy to check, if you have a parts chain close by that can test them.

[Bad Apache]

Does the Check Engine light come on with the key on? If yes, check for spark at one plug wire end and check for injector pulse (you'll see it spraying fuel on top of the throttle plates while cranking). If no Check Engine light, look into a loss of power to the ecm. These bad boys are pretty bullet-proof. I've also seen the rotor worn completely through and the spark then kills the ignition module. Let me know what you find and we'll go from there.

[cheepin]

Originally Posted by Bad Apache

Does the Check Engine light come on with the key on? If yes, check for spark at one plug wire end and check for injector pulse (you'll see it spraying fuel on top of the throttle plates while cranking). If no Check Engine light, look into a loss of power to the ecm. These bad boys are pretty bullet-proof. I've also seen the rotor worn completely through and the spark then kills the ignition module. Let me know what you find and we'll go from there.

Nope that's the problem. I have nothing turning on with the key.

[Bad Apache]

So no lights at all on the I/P cluster or just no CEL? I have all the service manuals at home for the 87 model trucks from when I had my 87 Silverado. So I'll take a look at them tonight and let you know what I find. Sounds like a fusible link melted off. If you get a chance, tug on each one firmly to see if it failed internally of the insulation. I believe there are some at the starter and some at a junction block under the hood somewhere. And possibly one at the alternator as well.

[Bad Apache]

I looked at the diagrams, geesh they suck. They don't have any good diagram for power distribution to the starter or ignition switch. I'd still suggest a thorough check of the fusible links and their connections at the starter, battery and alternator output terminal.

[cheepin]

Nope lights on dash with key on. Do have headlights and dome lights. No power locks or windows. The no power locks confuse me as they have power all the time. Both power supplies to the fuse block have 12 volts. These have fusible links.

[rideair]

Mine will do the same thing if it is below 9 degrees outside. After the sun hits it for a little while, starts right up. I think mine needs the switch adjusted just a bit.

Enjoy,

Rideair

[cheepin]

Originally Posted by rideair

Mine will do the same thing if it is below 9 degrees outside. After the sun hits it for a little while, starts right up. I think mine needs the switch adjusted just a bit.

Enjoy,

Rideair

I haven't messed with this yet. But I know the original and new switch are good. Swapped into my crawler they both worked. Crawler has an 88 column.

[jetmech85]

After replacing ignition switch and still no start, mine turned out to be my three month old new (not rebuilt) Powermaster starter.

[BLOWN73]

HEI right?

[cheepin]

Originally Posted by BLOWN73

HEI right?

Nope stock comp controlled dizzy. This is a TBI set up.1987 first yr.
Still haven't messed with it. Hopefully this weekend.

[Merritt Broughton]

Is there an ignition control modual under the dizzy I have had similar problems and thats whAT IT TURNED OUT TO BE FOR ME 40 bucks at the part store and 20 mins work,back on the road or check your power and ground from starter celunoid maybe they need a good cleaning

[BLOWN73]

Grounded tach wire? Unplug the tach wire on the dizzy