both trucks acting up-same problem-wtf - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67cst · 05-15-2005, 07:51 PM

has anyone ever heard of this with these 67-72s? both trucks run good but once and a while i jump in either the 67 or 71 and turn the key and nothing. its like the battery is completely drained. but it ran fine and started fine 10 minutes before type thing, friday night i was getting gas in the 67 and went to leave the gas station and i turned the key and nothing. i pushed it into a parking stall and got a buddy to come give me a jump, we went to his work and tested the battery/alt/starter and they all checked out fine, same with the 71 gmc, about a month ago it did the same thing, wouldnt start so i just went into the mall and killed time went back out half an hour later and it fired right up...what gives? anyone have any ideas? both trucks have hei too if that makes a difference

thanks, Derek

1STtimePRo'71 · 05-15-2005, 08:18 PM

Mine Does it once in awile, but I've never had to jump it. I just keep turning the key on and off and it will finally go. Got to be in the ignition switch.

bstack · 05-15-2005, 08:54 PM

Are you running headers or the exhaust real close to the starters? Just wondering if the starters are getting too hot?? Then when you wait a while after they cool down then they start. Just a thought!!

iluvmy72 · 05-15-2005, 08:58 PM

check your ground, solinoid for heat, and your ignitian switch

72MARIO · 05-15-2005, 09:05 PM

Got good Grounds ? That is a big problem with alot of old truck like ours. You did have the cab off the 67 right ? Did you reinstall the ground cable from the front floor support to the cab mount on the frame ?

armyavncowgirl · 05-15-2005, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iluvmy72

check your ground, solinoid for heat, and your ignitian switch

I ran into this problem with my 70 back in '01. The ground ran too close to the headers and arched. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldnt. Also, depending upon how tight/loose you have the cables, they could be making contact with the headers intermittently. Its been suggested that any power or ground that runs near the headers be protected with a heatshielded wrap or tubing. I would test your ground with a multimeter while wiggling from one end to the other to see if it fluxuates at any certain point. I would do the same with the power wire from the battery to the starter. You may have a short in a hard to reach place.

Good luck

67cst · 05-15-2005, 11:46 PM

no headers on either truck, do you guys think starters get hot from ramhorns? ill check all my grounds to make sure..thanks

jhow66 · 05-16-2005, 12:14 AM

Put a remote soleniod (Ford) on it-problem fixed.

Mongo · 05-16-2005, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhow66

Put a remote soleniod (Ford) on it-problem fixed.

OMG HE said the "F" word...

CHEVIBUBBA · 05-16-2005, 12:41 AM

get a rope!!!!

sdkid · 05-16-2005, 01:32 AM

I used to have a '69 gmc that would A) not turn over, like a dead battery. Or B)die while driving. Turned out to need a good cable cleaning at the battery. May not help, but its quick, easy, and free.

Alexis · 05-16-2005, 02:06 AM

I had the same problem...........it was my starter. After a new starter and a shinny new heat shield it didn't give me any problems. . Best thing to do when this problem happens again is take test light and test all the wires on the ignition switch.

Bill72BB · 05-16-2005, 02:11 AM

I had that problem awhile back it was the Battery ground cable .

69 Short Fleet · 05-16-2005, 05:40 AM

Derek. ^ what they said & my 69 did this at a gas station once just after I first bought it. I was right next to the Chevy dealership and I borrowed a battery teminal brush from one of the mechanics, I cleaned the battery posts & the cable ends put them back on and it flashed right up. Doug

GMC AMI · 05-16-2005, 05:44 AM

IGN. switch contacts have a lot of use and may be worn out or corroded and do not make GOOD contact all the time.

**JIMs70GMC** · 05-16-2005, 07:52 AM

I second the ignition switch, just replaced mine in the 71, doing the same thing.

phlegm · 05-16-2005, 08:21 AM

I had a F*&D Bronco that had an issue like this, after driving I would try to start it and nothing. In my case these guys were correct, it was heat. A trick to find out if it is the heat was shown to me by an old man at the gas station I was stuck at. Get a cup or 2 of cold water and slowly pour it over the starter. This will cool it off and if heat is the issue it should start up.

GMC AMI · 05-16-2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlegm

I had a F*&D Bronco that had an issue like this, after driving I would try to start it and nothing. In my case these guys were correct, it was heat. A trick to find out if it is the heat was shown to me by an old man at the gas station I was stuck at. Get a cup or 2 of cold water and slowly pour it over the starter. This will cool it off and if heat is the issue it should start up.

Before I would pour water on the starter I would just use a bag of ice if available. Water and electric components do not mix well.

Brewski* · 05-16-2005, 08:49 AM

My truck did the same. I changed the ignition (key) switch and it has not done this since.

jhow66 · 05-16-2005, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEVIBUBBA

get a rope!!!!

What no trial first? Try this "trial"--next time it will not start use a old screw driver and jump from bat. post to "s" post on seloniod. If it turns over I am not "guilty". (F*@d cheaper then mad.)

**VetteVet** · 05-16-2005, 10:14 AM

All the posters have given good suggestions. Anything to increase the voltage to the solenoid will help the problem. If it occurs intermittently then one or all of these solutions will fix it. If it only happens after it is warmed up then Jhow66 is right and I agree with him that your starter solenoid is getting heat soaked and and you can either replace it and get a heat shield or get a remote solenoid .

Brewski* · 05-16-2005, 11:07 AM

Jumping from bat post to s post is NOT a good idea. If for whatever reason you go to ground (ie touching the starter body) you blow the voltage regulator. (Did it 2x I know)

05-15-2005, 07:51 PM	#1
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	both trucks acting up-same problem-wtf has anyone ever heard of this with these 67-72s? both trucks run good but once and a while i jump in either the 67 or 71 and turn the key and nothing. its like the battery is completely drained. but it ran fine and started fine 10 minutes before type thing, friday night i was getting gas in the 67 and went to leave the gas station and i turned the key and nothing. i pushed it into a parking stall and got a buddy to come give me a jump, we went to his work and tested the battery/alt/starter and they all checked out fine, same with the 71 gmc, about a month ago it did the same thing, wouldnt start so i just went into the mall and killed time went back out half an hour later and it fired right up...what gives? anyone have any ideas? both trucks have hei too if that makes a difference thanks, Derek __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

05-15-2005, 08:18 PM	#2
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	Mine Does it once in awile, but I've never had to jump it. I just keep turning the key on and off and it will finally go. Got to be in the ignition switch. __________________ -Cory 1967 2 Wheel Chevy

05-15-2005, 08:54 PM	#3
bstack Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: cambridge,ohio Posts: 135	Are you running headers or the exhaust real close to the starters? Just wondering if the starters are getting too hot?? Then when you wait a while after they cool down then they start. Just a thought!! __________________ 70-Olds 442 66-Impala 4-dr. 67-K-10 87 Chev. 1/2 Ton 4x4 Swb

05-15-2005, 09:05 PM	#5
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	Got good Grounds ? That is a big problem with alot of old truck like ours. You did have the cab off the 67 right ? Did you reinstall the ground cable from the front floor support to the cab mount on the frame ? __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

05-15-2005, 11:46 PM	#7
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	no headers on either truck, do you guys think starters get hot from ramhorns? ill check all my grounds to make sure..thanks __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

05-15-2005, 08:58 PM	#4
iluvmy72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springville, UT, USA Posts: 1,010	check your ground, solinoid for heat, and your ignitian switch

05-16-2005, 12:14 AM	#8
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Put a remote soleniod (Ford) on it-problem fixed. __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

05-16-2005, 12:41 AM	#10
CHEVIBUBBA got boost? Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 123	get a rope!!!! __________________ '70 chevy lwb w/'67 hood. 357 s.b.c. built, 4l60 w/vigilante lockup high stall converter, edelbrock pro-flo,brodix heads,comp cams rollerized w/ belt drive, one piece d-shaft, yada, yada, yada..... '82 honda v45 sabre"the black"

05-16-2005, 01:32 AM	#11
sdkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pierre SD Posts: 1,533	I used to have a '69 gmc that would A) not turn over, like a dead battery. Or B)die while driving. Turned out to need a good cable cleaning at the battery. May not help, but its quick, easy, and free. __________________ I think the world needs a drink... Help somebody...If you can....VanZant We're not wrong, we're not sorry, and its probably gonna happen again. That's the truth about men. Tracy Byrd Member# 13924 '70 c10, 350/350 '68 c10 250/4spd '68 c10 no eng/trans fac ps/pb/ac/at (future father/sons project) '48 Chevy Loadmaster

05-16-2005, 02:06 AM	#12
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,879	I had the same problem...........it was my starter. After a new starter and a shinny new heat shield it didn't give me any problems. . Best thing to do when this problem happens again is take test light and test all the wires on the ignition switch.

05-16-2005, 02:11 AM	#13
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,980	I had that problem awhile back it was the Battery ground cable . __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

05-16-2005, 05:40 AM	#14
69 Short Fleet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 1,086	Derek. ^ what they said & my 69 did this at a gas station once just after I first bought it. I was right next to the Chevy dealership and I borrowed a battery teminal brush from one of the mechanics, I cleaned the battery posts & the cable ends put them back on and it flashed right up. Doug

05-16-2005, 05:44 AM	#15
GMC AMI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Other Maine! Posts: 2,236	IGN. switch contacts have a lot of use and may be worn out or corroded and do not make GOOD contact all the time. __________________ 1968 Chevy 4x4 307 4 speed Last edited by GMC AMI; 05-16-2005 at 05:47 AM.

05-16-2005, 07:52 AM	#16
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I second the ignition switch, just replaced mine in the 71, doing the same thing. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

05-16-2005, 08:21 AM	#17
phlegm Still Green but learning Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central NC Posts: 1,895	I had a F*&D Bronco that had an issue like this, after driving I would try to start it and nothing. In my case these guys were correct, it was heat. A trick to find out if it is the heat was shown to me by an old man at the gas station I was stuck at. Get a cup or 2 of cold water and slowly pour it over the starter. This will cool it off and if heat is the issue it should start up. __________________ -- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was



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05-16-2005, 08:49 AM	#19
Brewski* Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rocky Mount, MO Posts: 1,293	My truck did the same. I changed the ignition (key) switch and it has not done this since.

05-16-2005, 10:14 AM	#21
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	All the posters have given good suggestions. Anything to increase the voltage to the solenoid will help the problem. If it occurs intermittently then one or all of these solutions will fix it. If it only happens after it is warmed up then Jhow66 is right and I agree with him that your starter solenoid is getting heat soaked and and you can either replace it and get a heat shield or get a remote solenoid . __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

05-16-2005, 11:07 AM	#22
Brewski* Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rocky Mount, MO Posts: 1,293	Jumping from bat post to s post is NOT a good idea. If for whatever reason you go to ground (ie touching the starter body) you blow the voltage regulator. (Did it 2x I know)

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