Turn key then lose all power

[hath]

So I just picked up a junker 69' C10, and have been chasing the problems. I've replaced the starter solenoid and starter, installed a new main power wire from battery to inside fender terminal, bypassed the neutral safety switch, etc. Once I got to this point, I started the truck for about two seconds, it died, and had no more power anywhere, except from the battery to the starter. No power to the purple wire from the starter. If I let it sit for 10-15 minutes, it seems to reset itself and I'll get power again, but not enough to turn the engine over. It then loses power when I turn the key, and we're back at square one. It's a new battery, and I've replaced and/or tested the cables and grounds. Any ideas? I'm wondering what is resetting the power every so often. But I'm also wondering what is causing such a drastic draw on the system?

[Mid-Pack]

Do you have a points ignition? Replace the condenser in the distributor.

[Steeveedee]

Try cleaning all the connections from the battery to the switch and then all the way to the starter, including the bulkhead connector.

[hath]

Mid-Pack it has an HEI distributor.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Turn on the lights & see if they work. If so you have a bad ign. switch or the connector.
This is common on these trucks. The connector on the back of the switch & the switch terms. get overheated & burnt. The connector is available as a pigtail for repair of the harness. If everything is dead you need to do like Steevee says. Get a test light & start tracing the circuit.
George

[Mid-Pack]

Like the other more knowledgeable members have mentioned, start with the ignition switch ($30) and test out from there. I`ve had an old switch start smoking on me, for cranking the motor too much. Good luck

[LNP]

Ground wire. Too many people forget to check the ground wire. We always seem to check the positive but forget ground. If you dont have power coming into the dash at all you wont have power to your ignition.

[cj847]

Depending on what you are trying to do.....

If you just want to start it and let it run, hot wire it. All you need is a 12v+ from the battery to the distributor, then short the terminals on the start solenoid (I actually have a momentary switch with alligator clips, and power wire with clips on it for this purpose).

My first guess for your problem was fusable link. But you said you had some power after it died.

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by LNP

Ground wire. Too many people forget to check the ground wire. We always seem to check the positive but forget ground. If you dont have power coming into the dash at all you wont have power to your ignition.

Yes! All too often that is overlooked while chasing positive.
Great advice.
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[hath]

*********Update**********FIXED!**********

Thanks for all the help. It turned out the brand new starter/solenoid was bad. The main power terminal on it came lose and was stripped (copper stud with a steel nut). Word to the wise, just lightly snug it down. I didn't crank on it by no means, but it was softer than peanut butter.

I believe it was the solenoid resetting every so often. It must have some type of circuit protection inside of it.

[LNP]

Glad to see you got it figured out.