'90 454 No Crank

[JCampbell]

'90 C30, TBI 454 - No Crank

Over the last two days, I noticed an intermittent "chatter" of the starter when starting the engine after it's been running/warm (ie: after getting gas, etc). Today, after stopping to get fuel, no crank. Towed truck home, pulled starter, bench test: starter passed.

Reinstalled starter. Cleaned connections @ starter and battery, reconnected and attempted to crank engine. Nothing on first turn of key. Single, brief "click" on second turn of key, but no crank. Nothing on third, fourth, fifth turns of key.

Verified power @ starter w/ test light. Had assistant hold key in "crank" position while I checked for crank signal w/ test light. No crank signal; however, heard a "pop" and brief sizzle while checking for crank signal-possibly blew a fusable link holding key in "crank" position too long???

Any thoughts?

[mrolds88]

Might be the switch on the column. I know its a pain to change, but if you can get the connectors off, the either jump the starter posts or if you have a spare one to ttry on there. Just a thought. I had one years ago that, because I was so broke ( how brojke was I??) I couldn't pay attention!
I actuall stripped the switch down, cleaned the junk out and polished the terminals with a ink eraser. Put it back in and worked perfectly for the years I owned it.

[manimal]

Sounds like a fusible link. can you cross start it?

[manimal]

do you have lights?

[JCampbell]

Yes, I have lights.
Posted via Mobile Device

[rs74]

My daughters boyfriend had a similar problem on his 94 K1500. It ended up being corroded battery cables. Replaced them and everything has been find since. He had lights and everything. Sometimes it would start and other times not.

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by manimal

Sounds like a fusible link. can you cross start it?

Que?

[manimal]

with a screwdriver across the terminals on the starter?

[D.FENS]

Had a similar problem on my truck. Turned out both the starter trigger and main power wires were corroded inside.

Both wires would light up a test light, but wouldn't flow enough current to spin the starter.

[manimal]

Well?

[manimal]

The trigger wire for the starter should be purple if I remember right. Look for it on the main harness block on the fire wall and test it there. If you have power when key is in the "start" position, it is broken down stream. If you dont have power there,check the ignition switch on the column.

[JCampbell]

Yeah, I think the crank signal wire grounded out or is broken somewhere. The "pop" I heard when I was testing for crank signal was the fusible link blowing. Replaced the link this afternoon, and decided to test for crank signal a little further "upstream". Grabbed a hold of the harness near the alt to pierce the crank signal wire and the truck fired. Must've moved it enough to restore continuity.

Still need to replace the signal wire, but at least I know what the issue is now.