What causes this? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72gmcshorty · 06-09-2003, 12:40 AM

I went to start my truck, I turned it over and nothing. So I kept turning it over. It kind of coughed and then died. I went to start it again and I saw a little explosion of light come from inside the air filter element (hood was open, garage was shaded). My friend said they saw a spark go from battery to carb. I got truck to start and run fine. I turned it off and went over to battery to disconnect the wire that goes from battery to junction block on passenger fender and burnt my finger on the screw that goes into the battery(its a sidemount). Is that normal? Is it normal for battery posts to get that hot? What about flash from carb?

Blackhawkdc · 06-09-2003, 12:46 AM

I'd clean your battery terminals, sound like something is dirty or loose at the battery connections.

Maximum Overdrive · 06-09-2003, 08:09 AM

If you had to turn it over for a while before your truck started the cable will heat up. Dont have any idea about the spark jumping from battery to carb though.

72gmcshorty · 06-09-2003, 06:57 PM

Anyone else?

**68 Stepside** · 06-09-2003, 07:03 PM

I've seen MSD's arc from the firewall location to the block...it's quite a bright flash....I've never heard of a battery arcing over like that though.....good luck.

SWINGSAX68 · 06-09-2003, 08:01 PM

Ditto on what Maximum Overdrive said....
Check your starter solenoid....a bad solenoid will start your truck sometimes, but at the same time may give some starting problems (like not turning over, clicking or popping sounds). Thats all I can think off right now.

Class of 69 · 06-09-2003, 08:15 PM

The flash in the carb may have been a backfire. I can't imagine enough amperage jumping that distance, without welding your carb!!! Make sure the neg cable from battery goes directly to the engine. It may be having trouble grounding.

beautimus · 06-09-2003, 08:36 PM

if your cable ends are ratty enough and you aren't getting a good solid connection, the arcing at the battery terminal can pop out a spark like that. it will glow for a second or two and go out.
my brother had that happen once while i was watching.
the hood to his truck was off , and the carb was flooding badly. leaking gas all over the manifold and stuff. when that spark hit the carb it went whoooffff, fire big time. we beat the fire out with an old throw rug. no damage really but it scared the crap out of both of us!!!!!!!

06-09-2003, 12:40 AM	#1
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	What causes this? I went to start my truck, I turned it over and nothing. So I kept turning it over. It kind of coughed and then died. I went to start it again and I saw a little explosion of light come from inside the air filter element (hood was open, garage was shaded). My friend said they saw a spark go from battery to carb. I got truck to start and run fine. I turned it off and went over to battery to disconnect the wire that goes from battery to junction block on passenger fender and burnt my finger on the screw that goes into the battery(its a sidemount). Is that normal? Is it normal for battery posts to get that hot? What about flash from carb? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

06-09-2003, 12:46 AM	#2
Blackhawkdc 440 american Horses Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Anoka, MN USA Posts: 470	I'd clean your battery terminals, sound like something is dirty or loose at the battery connections. __________________ Seth Petro 1969 Chev Short Step 425hp 350, TH400, big tires, fast truck 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 1991 Saturn SL1 - gas mileage! (and free) 1977 Buick LeSabre - for sale May America bless God, and may God bless America

06-09-2003, 06:57 PM	#4
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Anyone else? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

06-09-2003, 07:03 PM	#5
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	I've seen MSD's arc from the firewall location to the block...it's quite a bright flash....I've never heard of a battery arcing over like that though.....good luck. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

06-09-2003, 08:01 PM	#6
SWINGSAX68 Now the others dig........ Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,520	Ditto on what Maximum Overdrive said.... Check your starter solenoid....a bad solenoid will start your truck sometimes, but at the same time may give some starting problems (like not turning over, clicking or popping sounds). Thats all I can think off right now. __________________ 68 Chevy C10 Stepside Black Primer 78 GMC Longbed White 09 Chevy Silverado Shortbed Granite Blue *LOOKING FOR A 67 4 DOOR IMPALA!!!Just like Sam and Dean Winchester!! 'Cause Mustangs are for p^#$ and you can fit a body in the trunk of a 67 Impala* MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Texas State University-San Marcos, TX Certified Music Educator I hope Mom is up there watching and being my Guardian Angel "I've got a fever.....and the only prescription.....IS MORE COW BELL" -The Legendary: Bruce Dickenson "F#$@ 'em up!!!!!!" -The Legendary: Rogelio Escobar TRUCKY LINKS** http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=457750 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=461184 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=472848 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=417541 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=477788

06-09-2003, 08:09 AM	#3
Maximum Overdrive December 21, 2012 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Black Eagle, Montana Posts: 1,633	If you had to turn it over for a while before your truck started the cable will heat up. Dont have any idea about the spark jumping from battery to carb though.

06-09-2003, 08:15 PM	#7
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	The flash in the carb may have been a backfire. I can't imagine enough amperage jumping that distance, without welding your carb!!! Make sure the neg cable from battery goes directly to the engine. It may be having trouble grounding. __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

06-09-2003, 08:36 PM	#8
beautimus Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: woodstock, alabama, usa Posts: 938	if your cable ends are ratty enough and you aren't getting a good solid connection, the arcing at the battery terminal can pop out a spark like that. it will glow for a second or two and go out. my brother had that happen once while i was watching. the hood to his truck was off , and the carb was flooding badly. leaking gas all over the manifold and stuff. when that spark hit the carb it went whoooffff, fire big time. we beat the fire out with an old throw rug. no damage really but it scared the crap out of both of us!!!!!!! __________________ i survived cancer and kidney stones, but my kids are killing me.

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