it died

[mrsmothers]

So I made the hr long trip to shreveport and my truck died. I was sitting at a red light and my electrical fried. The red wire that goes to the back of the alt melted. So I replaced the wire and it still wont start. Any clues on what it could be causeing it to not get power? do you think that a dead alt would cause the whole truck not to get any power?

[72peace]

Normally wires don't melt without some cause, you need to find the cause. It could be a short internal to the alt or battery issues, or even starter issues. Not sure without physically checking it. Hope you find it.

Cheers,

[MagmaJct]

Okay, we will need more information, more details. The starting circuit is very simple, we need to establish a baseline. As 72peace already mentioned, the cause for the short will have to be found, but putting that aside, let's talk about the starting circuit.

Does the engine turn when trying to start? If it doesn't, what kind of voltage are we seeing at the battery? If we're seeing over 12 volts, are we seeing voltage at the ignition switch? My 71 has a removable connector behind the switch, unplug it, check for voltage coming into the switch.

I suspect that fried wire spread all the way to the switch. In fact your short may very well be under the dash. Replay with more details please.

[mrsmothers]

I think that it started with the negitive cable on the battery beening loose that caused the short. I am not getting any power anywhere no head lights no flashers you turn the key and nothing happens. I put the battery on a charger and it is still at 100% so thats good. I havent had a chance to look at the ing switch yet. Also no fuses blew under the dash nor can I find any more burnt wires.

[71swb4x4]

I suspect you fried the first fusible link after the battery. I can't remember exactly where it is, possibly on the core support as the wire leaves the positive peg on the passenger fender and heads across the core support to the alternator.

I am really not certain on this, hopefully someone else can chime in.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

I suspect you fried the first fusible link after the battery. I can't remember exactly where it is, possibly on the core support as the wire leaves the positive peg on the passenger fender and heads across the core support to the alternator.

I am really not certain on this, hopefully someone else can chime in.

That's what I was going to say. Some fusible links are at the starter solenoid connection.

Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight too. Mine won't start or power up if they are even slightly loose.

Check the connection at the starter solenoid too. I have had a solenoid crack and burn out the fusible link in the process.

[68 TT]

If one of the wires off the starter solenoid shifted & melted then grounded out on the exhaust it would do something similar to what you have going on as well.

Make sure everything coming off the starter is well clear of the exhaust and can't move around while driving.

[MikeyMan]

I had the external Voltage Regulator go bad and fried the Fusable Link.

Was crusing the Interstate and noticed the Battery gauge pegged. Shortly thereafter, BANG, and coasted to a stop. Thought I "Blowed it up real good" only to determine it was just a backfire from the lost voltage. Had to get towed home, but fortunately no other wiring was damaged. Now I carry a spare Fusable Link.

[MagmaJct]

Can you check for voltage at the starter with a voltmeter or multimeter on the voltage setting? Does the starter "click" when you attempt to start? Does it do anything when you try to start? I think we need to know more of what it does, than what it doesn't do.

[mrsmothers]

I have power going to the starter and the back of the alt. Nothing happens when I turn the key its like there is no battery in the truck. I tested to see if I am getting power to the fuse block where it says ing but I am not getting any.

[Longhorn Man]

the fuseable link is not by the starter assuming a 67 - 72 truck, it is on the small red wire coming off the positive terminal on the battery, and goes to the small stud on the inner fender. Test for power on that stud. I'll bet the link is fried.... but then you have to figure out WHY it fried.

[mrsmothers]

I am getting no power to anything in the cab And other then the alt and the starter and fuseable link nothing else has power.

[71swb4x4]

Do you have power at the stud on the fender?

[mrsmothers]

Is this the first first fusible link? Its getting power I can follow the power all the way to the back of the alt and after that nothing.

[LockDoc]

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How about the fuses inside these fuse holders (Arrow in pic) I think they are 4 amp and there is one on each side of the core support.

LockDoc

[mrsmothers]

Boath fuses where blown I am going to run to the auto parts store and grab some but would that cause me not to get power to anything else?

[mrsmothers]

well I replaced the fuses and I have power agin. Truck still wont try to start the battery gauge says that its charged untill I turn the key then in pegs out in the dead area.
If I dont turn the key I can turn on my lights and honk the horn once I turn the key nothing. Starters not clicking and it wont try to turn over. But hey We are one step closer to getting it running sadley I am gonna miss my sunday drive

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by mrsmothers

well I replaced the fuses and I have power agin. Truck still wont try to start the battery gauge says that its charged untill I turn the key then in pegs out in the dead area. Starters not clicking and it wont try to turn over. But hey We are one step closer to getting it running sadley I am gonna miss my sunday drive

That tells me you may have a dead short somewhere when you turn the key to the start position. I wouldn't do that too much until you figure out where the short is or you may fry something else in the electrical system...

Sorry about the Sunday drive, maybe you can take two next Sunday...

LockDoc

[72peace]

It may be time to break out the voltmeter and start checking wireruns. Or, tow it to a shop and let them troubleshoot it. I know, blasphemy. But your going to need to check each wirerun starting with the link between the battery and the starter for shorts to ground, then from the starter elsewhere. One of the things that can cause a direct short when you turn on the key is a short in the coils of the soleonoid...sparking, melting wires, etc, not fun, been there.

(Safety)First disconnect the positive battery cable(Safety)
Then using the voltmeter start checking each wire connection starting with the positive battery cable to the closest ground it should read open unless you have an issue with the wire then the needle will go the other direction. On a digital meter it should read the same as if you're not touching anything, if you get any reading at all you may have an issue.

Anyone, if you see anything procedurally wrong here please speak up. It's been awhile since I've had to do this. Thanks,

Hope you find it,

[Longhorn Man]

tighten your battery terminals, and check the other end of the cables where bolted to the engine and the starter

[mrsmothers]

So every thing I have tested in the engine bay shows thats its getting good power but everything in the cab is really weak.

[71swb4x4]

Is your fuse box tight? It bolts through the firewall IIRC. Check that bolt and makes sure it's a solid connection, if that loosens you will have problems with all the cab power. Also check your ground from the firewall to the back of the engine and the cab to the frame.

[mrsmothers]

It LIVES!!!!!!!!!! Cut apart my whole harness and looked at every wire one by one. The second to last wire I looked at was busted.

[cpisani70@aol.com]

Waahoo, glad you got it figured out, this site is so awesome for all the support
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[Frkypunk70]

For future reference , what color was the wire?
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