Intermittent no start problem

[Kixwy2]

Recently my truck has been giving me issues when I try to turn it over - I turn the key but nothing happens. Zero. Dead. Silent. Since I just dropped a GM crate in it, I also replaced a bunch of the peripherals. Distributor, wires, cap, module, battery cables, starter, etc. I thought it might be a hot start problem, since a couple of them were right after some short trips to the store, but the other day I tried to start it after it sat for a day, and I got nothing on a cold start.

I check all my connections and everything seems solid. I even went under the engine to check for any shorts or cut wires from road junk, but came up with nothing. When I put the negative battery cable back on and tried again, it fired right up like nothing was wrong.

??? I know that cable was tight, too when I pulled it off. Any thoughts or ideas?

[Vitamin GMC]

Hello I recentaly had the same problem, and with the help of this site narrowed it down. Where the battery connection is on the disributer, unplug it. Then run a temperory wire from the distributer to the battery direct. Try starting it then. If it starts, what that told me, it was the ignition switch. Dont leave the wire on when your done, because then its hot all the time. The truck would cut out, then work, then eventually wouldnt start at all. Replaced the switch and works great. Good luck.

[89 crew]

if it isn't an ignition switch, it has to be a short in the battery cable, bad solenoid, wires going to ignition switch, or wires from ignition switch to activate the starter.

[mhicks]

I would say switch on column. Down under the dash on top of the column.

[wedgemon]

Switch under lower column or starter solenoid. Most likely.

- Dave