won't start!

[1986Silverado]

Got in my truck this morning to come home from work and it would not start. Would not do anything. It started fine when I went to work yesterday. Lights came on and were bright as if the engine were running. I think maybe the starter or ignition switch. Are there any other things it could be? Also what does the volt guage supposed to read with the key on engine off? Mine was reading like 8 or 9 volts! By the way this is on the 85 I have that is for sale, not the 86 in my sig. Please help.

[jared stewart]

Do all the easy stuff first. Check all your fuses, fusable links. If you have a voltmeter check to make sure your getting juice to your starter. Make sure your getting good ground. If you think it's the ignition, run a wire from the positive side of your battery to the dark purple wire that goes into your firewall wire block. I'm sure other people will come up with better ideas.

[hotrodhomi]

do you hear any clicking when you turn the key over? do you have a hand held voltage meter?

[NeCrOmAnCeR]

Check the neutral safety switch / or clutch switch (if manual) could try putting it into neutral (if auto) an see if it starts.

[1986Silverado]

No clicking from the starter. I will try the wire idea Jared. I also put it in neutral and nothing. I'm stumped Also by the way the volt guage is good it read 14 volts when running. So what's is suppose to read when the key is on engine off? Thanks guys

[Low87on20s]

my 87 did this once. I changed the battery cables and all has been fine since.

[1986Silverado]

It was dark when this hapened this morning. I will check those cables when
I get to work thias afternoon.

[hotrodhomi]

your battery should have at least 12.5 volts when the truck is off. also check on the battery post, as well as the end of the cable, because you my have a bad connection.

[1986Silverado]

So with the key on engine off the guage should read at least 12.5 volt...is that correct? I checked the cable connections at the battery and they were tight. Will check the other end today. Thanks

[Opper77]

Like above, check the fusible links. I had the same problem not too long ago...also, does your heater motor come on when you turn the key to "on" (make sure its on on your controls) If not I'd suspect the fusible link more closely 'cause they're on the same power supply wire...

[1986Silverado]

Well got to work yesterday and the damn thing fired right up. Cranked right up this morning also. All the cables and links look fine. Everything is also tight. I have one question.....There is a wire the runs off of the positive cable to the radiator support....looks like a ground wire. What is that wire for and would that cause porblems if it was bare and touching metal?

[Opper77]

You shouldn't have a wire from your pos. terminal straight to ground.. that would be a dead short....

[1986Silverado]

Just went and looked at my 86 and you are right it is from the negative cable. What if that wire is exposed and touching metal? I will check and be sure it is on the negative side on my 85 when I get to work.

[Opper77]

If the ground wire is bare and touching metal, it wouldn't be the end of the world I don't think BUT you could start arcing it out and blowing a fuse and/or link. Tape it up as best you can and then start checking your fusible links. Do a continuity test from either side of the links (there is one on the firewall next to the wiper motor, and 2 or 3 right close to the starter on the wires coming off it...(my problem was near the firewall one))

[79scottsdale]

my 79 scottsdale is having the same problems, i hear the clicking noise and all that but i dont have any idea what it was, i saw a cable ocming off of my neg. cable and it was coated in yellow coating but after about 10 secs. of trying to start it up, i somehow melted the yellow rubber coating right off of it!!!!!!! i dont know what the hell is wrong with it but i need to know soon bc its my DD and im tired of riding the bus to school every morning, especially since im a junior in high school!!!!
thanks,
joe

[TOMMAY]

If the small wire from the neg cable to the radiator support is overheating,it means your main ground is bad.They can look ok but be rotten inside.Had the same problem with mine recently,intermittent no start,but good lights and that was the problem.Like to have drove me crazy. Replaced the ground cable and bingo no more problems.

Good Luck

Tom