O.K., I have a problem - not starting

[Bow Tie Scottie]

Truck was running fine just the other day, now she wont turn over. It's getting fuel so what could it be? I hope it is something minor since I am not a professional mechanic! What I've found on internet so far range from timing issue such as a timing chain to choke thermostat. BTW, it has an electric choke and choke light stays on.

[OleBlue79]

You mean the engine won't turn over or it turns over but will not start?

[Bow Tie Scottie]

It (engine) turns over; does not start. Voltage is at 13 amps.

[OleBlue79]

Is it a carb or TBI?

[OleBlue79]

Anyway, you need to see if it's electrical or a fuel problem. Check to see it's getting fire. If it is move on to fuel.

[Bow Tie Scottie]

Stock Rochester Quadrajet that was rebuilt 2 years ago! Fuel pump and filter replaced at same time.

[OleBlue79]

Pull a spark plug and place it close to a bolt on the engine and have someone roll the engine over and see if it is getting a spark.
You said it is getting fuel are you sure?

[OleBlue79]

If it's not getting fire, the first thing to check is the power wire to your distributor. Make sure it's plugged in tight. I had a cat walking around under my hood once and pulled the wire loose.

[Adams74Chevy]

Originally Posted by OleBlue79

If it's not getting fire, the first thing to check is the power wire to your distributor. Make sure it's plugged in tight. I had a cat walking around under my hood once and pulled the wire loose.

My FIL had his 93 GMC w/ 250K miles quit going up the road because the wires, cap & rotor had been on the truck for who knows how long (maybe since new) that the wires had no way of making contact from all the corrosion on cap and rotor. Needless to say I gave it tune up and he said it ran like a new truck.

[72lb4x4]

Originally Posted by Bow Tie Scottie

It (engine) turns over; does not start. Voltage is at 13 amps.

A fully charged battery is 12.6V so it pretty much can't be 13, not to mention the amps bit.

Shoot some carb cleaner or B12 in the carb and try to start. If it fires you aren't getting gas.

[72freak]

As mentioned above the next thing to check is fire....pull a spark plug and turn it over and see if you are getting a spark.

Report back.

[Bow Tie Scottie]

Update: After checking for possible fuel or electrical problems, I concluded that it was more electrical than anything. I decided to replace the battery that served its time (over 3 years) and the 24 year old battery tray needed some attention. The battery cables were still usable, so I didn't bother with them.

The tray however, became a learning experience in of itself. It was covered with scaly rust and corrosion that was vissible with battery on it. Having no rust removing tools such as an electric sander, I worked on it by hand using 80 grit, 220 grit, sanding sponge, and wire brushes. I couldn't remove all of the scales nor smooth out some of the pitted areas as well. I used Rust Fix, primer, & black spray paint. Not bad results for a beginner, but not exactly show quality, but works for me. I even used Rust Fix on the fender skirt on a few spots that actualy turned out well (minor rust).

The internet comes in handy for almost any subject esp. the site. Reinstalled the tray after wrestling with its bolts being in a tight position I managed to get it in. Researched for best battery solution for my budget and purchased a Deka 575 amp dual post 12v from Voltex. Bought batteries from them including "blims".

Yeah, I installed it. Yeah, stubbornly she crank, yet ran rough still. I had a friend to come over to look at it. He came with experience. He was able to trace wires and found some loose connections. Lo and behold, look what he found: a loose spark plug wire. My friend helped me learn more about trouble shooting metheds - check and look for everything. Volt meter showed good cranking volts and alternator showed plenty of current. Went for a ride to see how she did after all that. Still noticing carbon build-up and was recommended to use a higher gas grade or additives like Lucas Oil.

Bottom line: despite some time consuming, cost or frustrations, it sure felt good to learn and do to get successful results. Thanks y'all.

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Originally Posted by Bow Tie Scottie

Update: After checking for possible fuel or electrical problems, I concluded that it was more electrical than anything. I decided to replace the battery that served its time (over 3 years) and the 24 year old battery tray needed some attention. The battery cables were still usable, so I didn't bother with them.

The tray however, became a learning experience in of itself. It was covered with scaly rust and corrosion that was vissible with battery on it. Having no rust removing tools such as an electric sander, I worked on it by hand using 80 grit, 220 grit, sanding sponge, and wire brushes. I couldn't remove all of the scales nor smooth out some of the pitted areas as well. I used Rust Fix, primer, & black spray paint. Not bad results for a beginner, but not exactly show quality, but works for me. I even used Rust Fix on the fender skirt on a few spots that actualy turned out well (minor rust).

The internet comes in handy for almost any subject esp. the site. Reinstalled the tray after wrestling with its bolts being in a tight position I managed to get it in. Researched for best battery solution for my budget and purchased a Deka 575 amp dual post 12v from Voltex. Bought batteries from them including "blims".

Yeah, I installed it. Yeah, stubbornly she crank, yet ran rough still. I had a friend to come over to look at it. He came with experience. He was able to trace wires and found some loose connections. Lo and behold, look what he found: a loose spark plug wire. My friend helped me learn more about trouble shooting metheds - check and look for everything. Volt meter showed good cranking volts and alternator showed plenty of current. Went for a ride to see how she did after all that. Still noticing carbon build-up and was recommended to use a higher gas grade or additives like Lucas Oil.

Bottom line: despite some time consuming, cost or frustrations, it sure felt good to learn and do to get successful results. Thanks y'all.

Glad it turned out fine..

[irishman999]

Originally Posted by Bow Tie Scottie

Update: After checking for possible fuel or electrical problems, I concluded that it was more electrical than anything. I decided to replace the battery that served its time (over 3 years) and the 24 year old battery tray needed some attention. The battery cables were still usable, so I didn't bother with them.

The tray however, became a learning experience in of itself. It was covered with scaly rust and corrosion that was vissible with battery on it. Having no rust removing tools such as an electric sander, I worked on it by hand using 80 grit, 220 grit, sanding sponge, and wire brushes. I couldn't remove all of the scales nor smooth out some of the pitted areas as well. I used Rust Fix, primer, & black spray paint. Not bad results for a beginner, but not exactly show quality, but works for me. I even used Rust Fix on the fender skirt on a few spots that actualy turned out well (minor rust).

The internet comes in handy for almost any subject esp. the site. Reinstalled the tray after wrestling with its bolts being in a tight position I managed to get it in. Researched for best battery solution for my budget and purchased a Deka 575 amp dual post 12v from Voltex. Bought batteries from them including "blims".

Yeah, I installed it. Yeah, stubbornly she crank, yet ran rough still. I had a friend to come over to look at it. He came with experience. He was able to trace wires and found some loose connections. Lo and behold, look what he found: a loose spark plug wire. My friend helped me learn more about trouble shooting metheds - check and look for everything. Volt meter showed good cranking volts and alternator showed plenty of current. Went for a ride to see how she did after all that. Still noticing carbon build-up and was recommended to use a higher gas grade or additives like Lucas Oil.

Bottom line: despite some time consuming, cost or frustrations, it sure felt good to learn and do to get successful results. Thanks y'all.

I hope i read this right, a loose plug wire caused your problem? I have witnessed and driven a small block chevy on 5 cylinders firing.

[fire120ball]

I have personally seen a 78 chevy k10 with a 350 running with a cracked in three places or two places Crank. I will dig up the picture and post tommorrow, it sounded horrible but he ran it for like a week ha Chevy/GMC all the way