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Old 02-18-2011, 11:10 AM   #1
85chevylwb
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: midland texas
Posts: 26
Truck wont start

OK, so i got into my truck this morning to go to work and when i put the key in the ignition, it turns like normal but nothing happens, almost like the kep is free spinning with not resitance like normal to start the truck, im wondering if its the lock cylinder or the ignition switch, im leaning towards the lock cyclinder but not 100% sure. either way, can anyone tell me how difficult it is to replace either one. this is my daily driver and need to get this fixed asap. thank you for your help in advance.
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Old 02-18-2011, 01:33 PM   #2
James McClure
One shot, one kill.
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 859
Re: Truck wont start

85, I'll give you some info here to try to figure this out. If you need more give me a call or send me your phone # and I'll call you. I have unlimited phone service in case you don't. 518 581 1622 before 20:00 hours EST.
OK. There are 4 parts you are dealing with. 1, lock cylinder. 2, pinion gear (lock cyl fits into it) 3, rack (part pinion gear drives and has a long rod attached to it) 4, ignition switch.
This holds true for tilt also, same part names but the rack is made differently. Make sure the ign switch isn't loose on the colunm.
My first guess would be the rack or pinion and both require some know how to get to especially if it's tilt. I suggest you check the switch to be sure it hasen't loosened up, then put your hand up to the front of the switch and feel the rod as you try to turn the key and see if you can feel the rod move. If it does, the problem is related to the switch itself. If it won't move, the problem is with the rack and pinion. Easiest way to check is to remove the lock cyl. Remove the signal light switch and locate a screw that looks like it runs into the lock in the upper right quarter of the shift bowl. Unscrew it and pull cylinder straight out, no key required. Reach down into the cylinder bore with a pair of pointy nose pliers and grab the nub on the gear and try to turn it and see what happens, either cranks starter or spins free.
If you have never gone into a steering colunm get someone who has to help you out with this. It's pretty straight forward BUT if you get it wrong the colunm could lock up at a most inopportune time ot not function at all. jim
__________________
1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.
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Old 02-18-2011, 04:26 PM   #3
85chevylwb
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: midland texas
Posts: 26
Re: Truck wont start

wow that seems like a good bit of information to start with, it is a tilt column and i dont get any kind of power to the gauges or radio or anything when i turn the key, i have replaced the steering wheel so i am fairly comfortable about going into it again to figure this out, i wont get home til about 6pm central time today and i am going to try and dig into this, i am just confused about how the key can turn so freely! i will probably need to call you when i dig into, i realy appreciate you offering your time to help me figure this out, the guys on this site never cease to amaze me!!!!!
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Old 02-19-2011, 10:20 AM   #4
James McClure
One shot, one kill.
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 859
Re: Truck wont start

It was my pleasure to speak with you last evening to help you sort this out. The road to knowledge is bumpy at best and strewn with pot holes. I was where you are today, and people took the time to educate me, now it's my turn to give back, and try to educate others when they get into a bind. My only wish is that you lived closer so I could rebuild the colunm in front of you so you knew what to do and how to do it. You'll get educated for sure. While these trucks are as dependable as the day is long, little stuff is always breaking or failing to function as designed. They will nickle and dime you and test your patients at times, but don't give up and don't be afraid to seek help or read the manuals. Take care and keep us posted, jim
__________________
1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.
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Old 02-19-2011, 10:34 AM   #5
85chevylwb
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: midland texas
Posts: 26
Re: Truck wont start

Well, again i thank you so much for your time and patience, you are a stand up guy for taking the time out of your evening to talk to me and I am very very appreciative!!! I have to ask due to the saying in ur profile, were you a Marine, One shot One kill. I was in the Marine Corps for 4 years and we lived by that saying!
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Old 02-19-2011, 01:23 PM   #6
James McClure
One shot, one kill.
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 859
Re: Truck wont start

My hat is off to you Sir for serving our nation in the Marine Corp. I was in the Navy for a while back during the Viet Nam war. I was not in a combat zone. I did my time at the Great lakes Navel training command as a swimming instructor of all things. My training is all outside the military by a sargent in the army who is a scout\sniper. I have learned that a scout sniper is the single most valuable soldier on the battlefield. His skill, even without ever fireing a shot, can hold up a division of infantry long enough for the fly boys to have some fun. jim e-mail to "jmcclur2@nycap.rr.com"
__________________
1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.
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