1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

savatreatabvr · 08-23-2012, 10:40 PM

Just happened out of the blue! Shut the truck off, 5 minutes later I tried to start it again and it clicked once! I cleaned the battery terminals and cables and not even a click this time! With the lights on I turn the key and the lights dim but no click! I checked the battery with a meter and it says its charged! I even tried jumping it so I'm assuming the start solenoid is bad or the key switch maybe? Any idea's?

75 big 10 · 08-23-2012, 11:02 PM

My 75 did the samething. I replaced the park neutral switch and it fixed it for a few weeks then the ignition switch went out on the column. Both are real cheap I would change them both.
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spencer_41188 · 08-24-2012, 02:01 AM

i would pull the starter and take it to an autoparts store and have them test it you may have fried the windings

to me it sounds like your getting power to the starter but its just not turning

question: do you smell somthing like hot copper and plastic?

savatreatabvr · 08-24-2012, 03:19 AM

It has a 454 w/ turbo 400, it will start in gear so the nuetral safety switch shouldnt be an issue! I hit the starter solenoid with a hammer while a buddy turned the key and nothing, sthe only thing I havent tried is jumping straight to the solenoid with junper cables! If it doesnt turn over then its obviously the solenoid or starter right?
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donut · 08-24-2012, 05:12 AM

When you drop the starter, check the connections. I had a small wire break at the eyelet and was not visible until I disconnected the wires.

If it turns out to be something simple, a new NSS wouldn't hurt and is relatively cheap.

savatreatabvr · 08-24-2012, 06:30 PM

Took my starter to Autozone and it's ok but my battery tested bad! How accurate is their test equipment and legit is Autozone? Reason I'm asking is the manager offered to sell me a used battery he had in the back, didn't realize they sold used battery's!

mopar346 · 08-24-2012, 07:25 PM

Put a wrench on the crank bolt and make sure the engine turns freely, lots of things can happen.

THe click at the starter and the dimming of the head lights indicates the neutral safety switch and ignition switch are doing their job. If I had any doubt I would test for power at the small wire when the key was turned to the start position. Also check your cables good for cracking and swelling corrosion can build up on the inside and starve power, usually there are warnings of slow starting before failure.

As far as Autozone, there equipment is good IF operated properly. As far as the honesty and knowledge of the individual, it's a coin flip I have seen some knowledgeable guys and I have seen button pushers. Not aware of them selling used batteries either. You can test the start off the engine with a set of jumper cables, it's not under load but you can usually tell if it has an issue.

Good luck!

savatreatabvr · 08-25-2012, 10:41 AM

Wow, now I'm concerned! It was idling fine when shut off so I never thought the engine could be seized, it wasn't knocking or overheating! I'll check my oil and try to manually turn the engine before I buy a battery! Oh, the truck would start in any gear so doesn't that mean the NSS was bad or not installed? Because the reason for the NSS in the first place is for it to NOT start in gear or am I wrong?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mopar346

Put a wrench on the crank bolt and make sure the engine turns freely, lots of things can happen.

THe click at the starter and the dimming of the head lights indicates the neutral safety switch and ignition switch are doing their job. If I had any doubt I would test for power at the small wire when the key was turned to the start position. Also check your cables good for cracking and swelling corrosion can build up on the inside and starve power, usually there are warnings of slow starting before failure.

As far as Autozone, there equipment is good IF operated properly. As far as the honesty and knowledge of the individual, it's a coin flip I have seen some knowledgeable guys and I have seen button pushers. Not aware of them selling used batteries either. You can test the start off the engine with a set of jumper cables, it's not under load but you can usually tell if it has an issue.

Good luck!

**Corts60** · 08-25-2012, 12:48 PM

Yes, it should not be starting in gear. Are you saying that it will start in gear but not in neutral or park?

When you put the starter back in, with the key off, jump the main positive wire on the starter solenoid with the start terminal on the solenoid. It should roll over. If it does, then your issue is in the column somewhere and I would start with that NSS.

savatreatabvr · 08-25-2012, 05:18 PM

No, it does start in park, neutral and 1, 2, 3, I don't think I ever tried reverse! Where exactly is the NSS and when found how do I test it? It's not on the transmission?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corts60

Yes, it should not be starting in gear. Are you saying that it will start in gear but not in neutral or park?

When you put the starter back in, with the key off, jump the main positive wire on the starter solenoid with the start terminal on the solenoid. It should roll over. If it does, then your issue is in the column somewhere and I would start with that NSS.

75 big 10 · 08-25-2012, 06:43 PM

It's at the base of the steering column on the top.
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savatreatabvr · 08-25-2012, 11:39 PM

Check this out, even after Autozone saying my battery is bad I decided to put the starter and battery back in to see if it would start and it did! So I'm assuming it was a bad connection! So a word to the wise for all Autozone fans, don't believe everything they say and especially their test equipment!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75 big 10

It's at the base of the steering column on the top.
Posted via Mobile Device

tylervalo · 08-26-2012, 12:00 AM

Sorry im late to the party, you had every issue I did (including the autozone expirence). My issue was the ground on the back of the firewall.
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Lower · 08-26-2012, 12:02 AM

More than likely the starter hung on the flywheel, make sure it is shimmed correctly. Always good to have it back on the road either way.

savatreatabvr · 08-26-2012, 12:49 AM

No shims, not one! It doesn't squeal and sounds perfectly normal! Am I supposed to have shims?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lower

More than likely the starter hung on the flywheel, make sure it is shimmed correctly. Always good to have it back on the road either way.

donut · 08-26-2012, 02:01 PM

If you don't need them, you don't (shims).
Most Chevy' I've had over the years, didn't need them.

Roanoker494 · 08-28-2012, 11:41 PM

It is possible for a battery to test good with a volt meter and fail under load. It is also possible for a battery to be able to start your engine but still be a bad battery. The machine at Autozone not only load tests the battery but it also tests for CCA and reserve capacity. If your battery is rated at 700CCA but only tests at 500CCA then it is a bad battery, though 500CCA may be enough to start your engine.

You mentioned earlier about used batteries at Autozone, yes this is done at some stores but it is up the the store's manager. Some are new batteries that were returned after the customer figured out the problem was a bad starter. Some are actually used batteries that were perfectly good but the customer had a under laying charging system issue.

08-23-2012, 10:40 PM	#1
savatreatabvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: phoenix, az Posts: 508	1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! Just happened out of the blue! Shut the truck off, 5 minutes later I tried to start it again and it clicked once! I cleaned the battery terminals and cables and not even a click this time! With the lights on I turn the key and the lights dim but no click! I checked the battery with a meter and it says its charged! I even tried jumping it so I'm assuming the start solenoid is bad or the key switch maybe? Any idea's?

08-23-2012, 11:02 PM	#2
75 big 10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Farmington New Mexico Posts: 43	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! My 75 did the samething. I replaced the park neutral switch and it fixed it for a few weeks then the ignition switch went out on the column. Both are real cheap I would change them both. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ ASA Chapter Lead-New Mexico/Arizona 75 C10 Scottsdale. 454/400th. 373 rear 76 C20 Custom Delux 350/4 speed 411 Posi rear

08-24-2012, 02:01 AM	#3
spencer_41188 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: fortwayne, indiana Posts: 209	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! i would pull the starter and take it to an autoparts store and have them test it you may have fried the windings to me it sounds like your getting power to the starter but its just not turning question: do you smell somthing like hot copper and plastic? __________________ 88 gmc v3500 bonus cab classy chassy conversion, 454, nv4500, np205, dana 60 front with spool, 14 bolt ff cac rear with locker.

08-24-2012, 03:19 AM	#4
savatreatabvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: phoenix, az Posts: 508	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! It has a 454 w/ turbo 400, it will start in gear so the nuetral safety switch shouldnt be an issue! I hit the starter solenoid with a hammer while a buddy turned the key and nothing, sthe only thing I havent tried is jumping straight to the solenoid with junper cables! If it doesnt turn over then its obviously the solenoid or starter right? Posted via Mobile Device

08-24-2012, 05:12 AM	#5
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! When you drop the starter, check the connections. I had a small wire break at the eyelet and was not visible until I disconnected the wires. If it turns out to be something simple, a new NSS wouldn't hurt and is relatively cheap. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

08-24-2012, 06:30 PM	#6
savatreatabvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: phoenix, az Posts: 508	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! Took my starter to Autozone and it's ok but my battery tested bad! How accurate is their test equipment and legit is Autozone? Reason I'm asking is the manager offered to sell me a used battery he had in the back, didn't realize they sold used battery's!

08-24-2012, 07:25 PM	#7
mopar346 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quincy, FL Posts: 533	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! Put a wrench on the crank bolt and make sure the engine turns freely, lots of things can happen. THe click at the starter and the dimming of the head lights indicates the neutral safety switch and ignition switch are doing their job. If I had any doubt I would test for power at the small wire when the key was turned to the start position. Also check your cables good for cracking and swelling corrosion can build up on the inside and starve power, usually there are warnings of slow starting before failure. As far as Autozone, there equipment is good IF operated properly. As far as the honesty and knowledge of the individual, it's a coin flip I have seen some knowledgeable guys and I have seen button pushers. Not aware of them selling used batteries either. You can test the start off the engine with a set of jumper cables, it's not under load but you can usually tell if it has an issue. Good luck!

08-25-2012, 12:48 PM	#9
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! Yes, it should not be starting in gear. Are you saying that it will start in gear but not in neutral or park? When you put the starter back in, with the key off, jump the main positive wire on the starter solenoid with the start terminal on the solenoid. It should roll over. If it does, then your issue is in the column somewhere and I would start with that NSS. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

08-25-2012, 06:43 PM	#11
75 big 10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Farmington New Mexico Posts: 43	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! It's at the base of the steering column on the top. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ ASA Chapter Lead-New Mexico/Arizona 75 C10 Scottsdale. 454/400th. 373 rear 76 C20 Custom Delux 350/4 speed 411 Posi rear

08-26-2012, 12:00 AM	#13
tylervalo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Knoxville, Tn Posts: 408	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! Sorry im late to the party, you had every issue I did (including the autozone expirence). My issue was the ground on the back of the firewall. Posted via Mobile Device

08-26-2012, 12:02 AM	#14
Lower Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Depew, OK Posts: 204	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! More than likely the starter hung on the flywheel, make sure it is shimmed correctly. Always good to have it back on the road either way. __________________ ~Jon Ol Green 1970 K10ish LWB,454/400/205, been in family since new. My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=516056

08-26-2012, 02:01 PM	#16
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! If you don't need them, you don't (shims). Most Chevy' I've had over the years, didn't need them. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

08-28-2012, 11:41 PM	#17
Roanoker494 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Glade Hill, VA Posts: 19	Re: 1973 C/20 454 wont turn over! It is possible for a battery to test good with a volt meter and fail under load. It is also possible for a battery to be able to start your engine but still be a bad battery. The machine at Autozone not only load tests the battery but it also tests for CCA and reserve capacity. If your battery is rated at 700CCA but only tests at 500CCA then it is a bad battery, though 500CCA may be enough to start your engine. You mentioned earlier about used batteries at Autozone, yes this is done at some stores but it is up the the store's manager. Some are new batteries that were returned after the customer figured out the problem was a bad starter. Some are actually used batteries that were perfectly good but the customer had a under laying charging system issue.



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