truck doesnt always start - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rays68 · 10-31-2003, 07:39 PM

About 1 out of every 10 times my truck wont start for what reason I dont know. When I try it again an hour or so later it starts no problem. Ive checked the alt, starter and all wires in between the only thing I havent checked is the ignition switch could that be the problem I dont want to buy one and it not be the problem was wondering if any body could help.

*rage'nrat638* · 10-31-2003, 07:53 PM

got good ground straps between the frame and engine???

a couple would be best

rays68 · 10-31-2003, 08:05 PM

forgot to add that I took them off of the frame sanded to bare metal and put them back still no luck

*rage'nrat638* · 10-31-2003, 08:11 PM

when you say it won't start....

it turns over..and won't start?????

won't turn over????

rays68 · 10-31-2003, 08:23 PM

when I turn the key its dead silent like theres no battery in it. Then a little while later it starts right up thats why I think it may be the ignition switch

Nova_Cobra64 · 10-31-2003, 08:29 PM

My 69 did that. Had the battery tested and it turned out to be a little bit whacko.......gave odd readings. Replaced it and haven't had a problem since. That may not be your problem, but its a free place to start.......

walker · 10-31-2003, 08:34 PM

I would hazard a guess at a starter solenoid. Easy to figure out if you have a volt meter. When it does not start check the voltage at the little terminals on the starter. No volts = switch/wiring problem. Volts= solenoid problem

rays68 · 11-01-2003, 01:22 AM

thanks for all the help guys I will try thoses things tomorrow and see what I come up with. Also if any more ideas please post.

chevy_fatman · 11-01-2003, 01:33 AM

I'll second the starter selenoid, my '71 had the same problem, but mine being stick I would just push it and it would start, I would always park downhill :p

I replace the selenoid one day and it hasn't done since then.

A.P. · 11-01-2003, 02:34 AM

Check the wires that are on the solenoid. On my truck they fried and that was causing a similiar problem.

LeRoy · 11-01-2003, 08:41 AM

Don't forget the battery cables. Check them with an OHM meter. They might look good on the end but be all corroded under the plastic covering.

luvmy71 · 11-01-2003, 09:58 AM

I had a 69 that did that very same thing. Do you have HEI? if so check to make sure that you have a switched hot wire to the bat.side of the HEI. hope this helps

Blue Beard · 11-01-2003, 11:16 AM

What are you running in the truck..........

Battery may not have enough reserve cranking power to do the job......

Check how old the battery is as well.....

Alaska71SWB · 11-02-2003, 03:59 PM

I don't know if you have headers. If you do the heat could cause the starter to do that. Mine starter like that and just got worse. I ended up changing it out with a smaller one from a late model Chevy.

10-31-2003, 07:39 PM	#1
rays68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Redondo Beach CA Posts: 131	truck doesnt always start About 1 out of every 10 times my truck wont start for what reason I dont know. When I try it again an hour or so later it starts no problem. Ive checked the alt, starter and all wires in between the only thing I havent checked is the ignition switch could that be the problem I dont want to buy one and it not be the problem was wondering if any body could help.

10-31-2003, 08:29 PM	#6
Nova_Cobra64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melville, SK Posts: 1,144	My 69 did that. Had the battery tested and it turned out to be a little bit whacko.......gave odd readings. Replaced it and haven't had a problem since. That may not be your problem, but its a free place to start....... __________________ 2004 Silverado - Beater 1969 GMC - In progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=441683 2011 Aveo - Work commuter 2013 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 - The reason no work gets done on the project truck.

10-31-2003, 08:34 PM	#7
walker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: north of Phx AZ about 30 miles Posts: 698	I would hazard a guess at a starter solenoid. Easy to figure out if you have a volt meter. When it does not start check the voltage at the little terminals on the starter. No volts = switch/wiring problem. Volts= solenoid problem __________________ Andy,Phx AZ '67 C-10 (Ahhh, done at last. Well there is that disk front end I want to put in and...) "23 C-Cab-sold '48 Ford 8N tractor(still working) '67 Scout(Now on the road) '70 MG B.-sold

11-01-2003, 02:34 AM	#10
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	Check the wires that are on the solenoid. On my truck they fried and that was causing a similiar problem. __________________ 72 Chevy, SWB, 350engine, TH400

11-01-2003, 08:41 AM	#11
LeRoy Registered truck nut Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mt. Vernon, Washington, USA Posts: 1,584	Don't forget the battery cables. Check them with an OHM meter. They might look good on the end but be all corroded under the plastic covering. __________________ MOUNT VERNON, WASH. STATE Need a part? Just PM me

10-31-2003, 07:53 PM	#2
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	got good ground straps between the frame and engine??? a couple would be best

10-31-2003, 08:05 PM	#3
rays68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Redondo Beach CA Posts: 131	forgot to add that I took them off of the frame sanded to bare metal and put them back still no luck

10-31-2003, 08:11 PM	#4
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	when you say it won't start.... it turns over..and won't start????? won't turn over????

10-31-2003, 08:23 PM	#5
rays68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Redondo Beach CA Posts: 131	when I turn the key its dead silent like theres no battery in it. Then a little while later it starts right up thats why I think it may be the ignition switch

11-01-2003, 01:22 AM	#8
rays68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Redondo Beach CA Posts: 131	thanks for all the help guys I will try thoses things tomorrow and see what I come up with. Also if any more ideas please post.

11-01-2003, 01:33 AM	#9
chevy_fatman Where's my beer? Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: I live in the state of denial.... Posts: 5,620	I'll second the starter selenoid, my '71 had the same problem, but mine being stick I would just push it and it would start, I would always park downhill :p I replace the selenoid one day and it hasn't done since then.

11-01-2003, 09:58 AM	#12
luvmy71 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: atl.ga Posts: 6	I had a 69 that did that very same thing. Do you have HEI? if so check to make sure that you have a switched hot wire to the bat.side of the HEI. hope this helps

11-01-2003, 11:16 AM	#13
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	What are you running in the truck.......... Battery may not have enough reserve cranking power to do the job...... Check how old the battery is as well..... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

11-02-2003, 03:59 PM	#14
Alaska71SWB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 70	I don't know if you have headers. If you do the heat could cause the starter to do that. Mine starter like that and just got worse. I ended up changing it out with a smaller one from a late model Chevy.



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