Very weird and intermittent starting issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kaysboat · 03-21-2014, 08:44 AM

I'm having a very aggrivating starting issue with my 1980 straight 6 three on the tree.

For the past couple of weeks the truck would randomly fail to turn over (as if it had a dead batttery). After a couple minutes of sitting, it would then fire up no problem (no labouring etc...) The issue has become progressively worse to the point now where it rarely tirns over. The lights, and radio work fine, but when turning the key to start (with clutch depressed) nothing happens.

I thought the starter solonid may have been the issue, so I changed the starter. Same issue. Bench tested the coil (integrated into the distributor cap) and I think it is fine, although I wasn't entirely sure what the readings on the multi meter were supposed to be.

I had the battery bench tested which turned out to be shot (no amps registered on the tester), so I charged up another battery which is less than two years old, but the problem still persists.

Any ideas or more troubleshooting tips?

Thanks.

**old Rusty C10** · 03-21-2014, 08:48 AM

Check all the connections of the battery cables and grounds

walkerb · 03-21-2014, 09:12 AM

Neutral safety switch? Any difference pushing the clutch pedal harder or softer?

kaysboat · 03-21-2014, 06:23 PM

Yes. It seems to start pretty reliabily when the clutch pedal is depressed about 3/4 of the way. Does this indicate the neutral safety switch?

03-21-2014, 08:44 AM	#1
kaysboat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 27	Very weird and intermittent starting issue I'm having a very aggrivating starting issue with my 1980 straight 6 three on the tree. For the past couple of weeks the truck would randomly fail to turn over (as if it had a dead batttery). After a couple minutes of sitting, it would then fire up no problem (no labouring etc...) The issue has become progressively worse to the point now where it rarely tirns over. The lights, and radio work fine, but when turning the key to start (with clutch depressed) nothing happens. I thought the starter solonid may have been the issue, so I changed the starter. Same issue. Bench tested the coil (integrated into the distributor cap) and I think it is fine, although I wasn't entirely sure what the readings on the multi meter were supposed to be. I had the battery bench tested which turned out to be shot (no amps registered on the tester), so I charged up another battery which is less than two years old, but the problem still persists. Any ideas or more troubleshooting tips? Thanks.

03-21-2014, 08:48 AM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,299	Re: Very weird and intermittent starting issue Check all the connections of the battery cables and grounds __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

03-21-2014, 09:12 AM	#3
walkerb Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 831	Re: Very weird and intermittent starting issue Neutral safety switch? Any difference pushing the clutch pedal harder or softer? __________________ 1973 k20 Suburban 350 1974 Custom stepside c-10 250 1975 Chevy stepside 454 1986 K30 Crewcab SRW 350 R.I.P- glimmertwin01- board member and good friend, you will be missed

03-21-2014, 06:23 PM	#4
kaysboat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 27	Re: Very weird and intermittent starting issue Yes. It seems to start pretty reliabily when the clutch pedal is depressed about 3/4 of the way. Does this indicate the neutral safety switch?



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