Truck won't start! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

newbraunie · 09-25-2010, 06:20 PM

Parked truck about 2 weeks ago, was running fine with no problems. Went to start it today and it won't start. Went down the basic diagnostic line of fuel, spark, air and compression. Found out no spark is the problem. Pulled spark plug and grounded while turning over, no spark. Have a V-8 with HEI. Checked wire to dizzy and have full 12+ volts (yes the resistor wire has been removed and repalced with 10 gauge). Going through some other threads about HEI issues my first thought is to replace the module. Am I on the right track? Anything else I should check? Is there a way to test the module? I hate to just start replacing stuff hoping to nail the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

71swb4x4 · 09-25-2010, 06:21 PM

I am almost positive that any parts store can test the module. Call before you take it in.

newbraunie · 09-25-2010, 07:29 PM

Just got back from Auto Zone, module tested as good. What next? Coil?

Shyguy · 09-25-2010, 08:01 PM

Yep, the coil is a good place to go next, but first check the distributor cap and rotor?

68gmsee · 09-25-2010, 09:24 PM

Sometimes it's cheaper and easier to go to a salvage yard and see if you can find a good used one. I paid $20 for one 10 yrs ago and $40 for a six cylinder hei couple of years ago. Both in good working condition. I did have to relube the six cylinder one, though.

*72lb4x4* · 09-25-2010, 10:26 PM

Shoot some carb cleaner or B12 in it and crank it.

rsavage · 09-25-2010, 11:11 PM

Are you absolutely sure it is lack of spark? If you have been cranking it and there is no strong smell of gas or the plugs aren't wet, you could have a carb float bowl that has dried up while it sat along with a weak fuel pump. Pour a little gas down the throat of the carb and see if it fires up. Sometimes it is hard to see an arc especially in daylight. Keep us posted.

llowlife · 09-26-2010, 12:04 AM

Check the wires from the pick up coil for breaks. Shouldn't happen from sitting but I've seen weirder stuff. Moisture in cap...spark jumping from the center electrode to the shaft of the dist through the rotor. Check for carbon tracking

Notrodder · 09-26-2010, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsavage

Sometimes it is hard to see an arc especially in daylight.

You can check for spark by putting a timing light on it.

newbraunie · 09-30-2010, 11:43 PM

Replaced coil, that was the problem. Truck is running great again!! Thanks to all for the guidance.

09-25-2010, 06:20 PM	#1
newbraunie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Central TX Posts: 393	Truck won't start! Parked truck about 2 weeks ago, was running fine with no problems. Went to start it today and it won't start. Went down the basic diagnostic line of fuel, spark, air and compression. Found out no spark is the problem. Pulled spark plug and grounded while turning over, no spark. Have a V-8 with HEI. Checked wire to dizzy and have full 12+ volts (yes the resistor wire has been removed and repalced with 10 gauge). Going through some other threads about HEI issues my first thought is to replace the module. Am I on the right track? Anything else I should check? Is there a way to test the module? I hate to just start replacing stuff hoping to nail the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

09-25-2010, 06:21 PM	#2
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Truck won't start! I am almost positive that any parts store can test the module. Call before you take it 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.

09-25-2010, 07:29 PM	#3
newbraunie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Central TX Posts: 393	Re: Truck won't start No spark? Just got back from Auto Zone, module tested as good. What next? Coil?

09-25-2010, 08:01 PM	#4
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Truck won't start! Yep, the coil is a good place to go next, but first check the distributor cap and rotor? __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

09-25-2010, 09:24 PM	#5
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Truck won't start! Sometimes it's cheaper and easier to go to a salvage yard and see if you can find a good used one. I paid $20 for one 10 yrs ago and $40 for a six cylinder hei couple of years ago. Both in good working condition. I did have to relube the six cylinder one, though.

09-25-2010, 10:26 PM	#6
72lb4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 1,427	Re: Truck won't start! Shoot some carb cleaner or B12 in it and crank it.

09-25-2010, 11:11 PM	#7
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Truck won't start! Are you absolutely sure it is lack of spark? If you have been cranking it and there is no strong smell of gas or the plugs aren't wet, you could have a carb float bowl that has dried up while it sat along with a weak fuel pump. Pour a little gas down the throat of the carb and see if it fires up. Sometimes it is hard to see an arc especially in daylight. Keep us posted. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

09-26-2010, 12:04 AM	#8
llowlife Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Elgin Mn Posts: 112	Re: Truck won't start! Check the wires from the pick up coil for breaks. Shouldn't happen from sitting but I've seen weirder stuff. Moisture in cap...spark jumping from the center electrode to the shaft of the dist through the rotor. Check for carbon tracking __________________ In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, brave hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him , for then it costs nothing to be a patriot. I am a revolutionary...so my son can be a farmer...so his son can be a poet. If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, so my child may have peace... 72 short step w/ 388 /4l80e/ and 3.08 gears. Last edited by llowlife; 09-26-2010 at 12:06 AM.

09-30-2010, 11:43 PM	#10
newbraunie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Central TX Posts: 393	Re: Truck won't start! Replaced coil, that was the problem. Truck is running great again!! Thanks to all for the guidance.

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