The darn thing won't start? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1963chevyc20 · 01-10-2015, 05:31 PM

Ok. My ol63 has a 283 that won't start my battery has 800 cranking amps and is new. When I turn the key the motor turns real slow neg batt cable gets hot and smokes and when I turn the key off it keeps cranking? It was turning fast the other day but did not sputter untill I put some starter fluid in it it did run for a few seconds.

blown240 · 01-10-2015, 06:10 PM

Starter worn out? Solenoid not disengaging...

1963chevyc20 · 01-10-2015, 06:21 PM

Just replacEd starter solenoid neg battery cable starter switch and fuel filter. No more smoking battery cable I know I am getting fuel cause I used a clear filter starter dis engages when key is off. Still cranks slow battery is an ever start maxx24 it is onlyv4 months old had it tested yester day only rated for 700 cca's he said it had 800 when he tested it.

**dtkarst** · 01-10-2015, 07:45 PM

Mine did that and it turns out my starter harness was spliced in 9 spots. So I rebuilt it and it worked fine. Of course I checked the ignition and what not first.

1963chevyc20 · 01-10-2015, 10:53 PM

Well it was running about 6months ago. I messed up the Trans in it and have not got around to fix it yet. Well I put the new one in and this is where she left me. The ol gal was running really good to. Prime the pedal one time go out tour the key for a second and fired right up! Not doing it now. What elce should I check. Every time you crank it the battery has to re charge?

TJ's Chevy · 01-11-2015, 12:02 AM

The mysteries of electrical! Sounds like it could also be and ignition switch issue as well. Take a light and check your wiring...also check for a major draw during cranking...something obviously is taking power away from the starter causing it to crank over slowly and since a major draw through wiring makes wires hot....yeah...melting....been through it....on the road...killed the truck....luckily got it going and was only 2 or 3 miles from home...called using to small a gauge of wiring for my electric fuel pump. lol

franken · 01-11-2015, 12:05 AM

If it cranks slow, look for hot spots or replace the big + cable.
Timing could be too advanced.
Less likely is a resistive connection in the solenoid.
Cranking the engine uses hundreds of amps while charging is tens of amps. It take a lot of charging to make up for a little cranking.
The ignition switch has nothing at all to do with slow cranking. The ignition switch controls the solenoid and the solenoid controls the starter.

murdoc · 01-11-2015, 03:07 AM

Try looking at the 6ga cable that runs from the positive across to the horn relay bus. Sometimes that connection gets loose at the positive battery post, or somewhere along the way over the radiator to the other side of the radiator support. It happened to me once, and I'll tell you I almost gave up on the thing altogether.

Don't rule out any wiring harness or connection until you know for certain that there is no break in the line. 90% of all electrical issues fail at connection points. Resistance is a huge factor, and neglect, or poorly cramped terminals and connectors account for most issues.

Don't give up! Approach it like a challenge, and go by it bit by bit. Fortunately these electrical systems are relatively simple compared to today's trucks!

Jimal · 01-11-2015, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963chevyc20

Ok. My ol63 has a 283 that won't start my battery has 800 cranking amps and is new. When I turn the key the motor turns real slow neg batt cable gets hot and smokes and when I turn the key off it keeps cranking? It was turning fast the other day but did not sputter untill I put some starter fluid in it it did run for a few seconds.

Clean your ground, on both ends. If you think your battery terminal is clean, clean it again and check the other end of the cable. I chased a bad ground for a few hours a couple weeks ago. It drove me nuts, but I finally got everything clean enough that I could crank the truck.

1963chevyc20 · 01-13-2015, 01:22 AM

Re: The darn thing won't start?
Try looking at the 6ga cable that runs from the positive across to the horn relay bus. Sometimes that connection gets loose at the positive battery post, or somewhere along the way over the radiator to the other side of the radiator support. It happened to me once, and I'll tell you I almost gave up on the thing altogether.

Don't rule out any wiring harness or connection until you know for certain that there is no break in the line. 90% of all electrical issues fail at connection points. Resistance is a huge factor, and neglect, or poorly cramped terminals and connectors account for most issues.

Don't give up! Approach it like a challenge, and go by it bit by bit. Fortunately these electrical systems are relatively simple compared to today's trucks!

: Can you post a picture on what that will look like

1963chevyc20 · 01-13-2015, 01:26 AM

Ok. So I think the battery is a big issue. Also where can I find a complete harness for the whole truck motor and all? I need to take the cab off to do some frame work and want to re wire the whole truck.

63burban · 01-13-2015, 11:05 AM

Do you have a ground strap from the battery to the engine and is it good? sometimes they can break inside the insulation. Also make sure you have a good ground strap from the engine to the body. Classic Truck Parts of America has the most reasonable price on American Auto Wire harnesses.

1963chevyc20 · 01-13-2015, 12:27 PM

Where would the gRound strap be? Where can I put a new one?also I had an after market batt gauge. I never did like it. While is was sitting I pulled it out. It had one wire going to the ignition switch and another wire running thru the firewall to a black wire that ran acrostic the grill to the horn relay. It was a red wire to black. I did not think anything of it so I just un hooked it from the black wire and left it.

1963chevyc20 · 01-13-2015, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963chevyc20

Where would the gRound strap be? Where can I put a new one?also I had an after market batt gauge. I never did like it. While is was sitting I pulled it out. It had one wire going to the ignition switch and another wire running thru the firewall to a black wire that ran acrostic the grill to the horn relay. It was a red wire to black. I did not think anything of it so I just un hooked it from the black wire and left it.

anyone?

1963chevyc20 · 01-14-2015, 01:03 PM

Ok! Progress is good!! I replacEd my battery to get normal cranking speed. Now I pulled the plug wire on cylinder number 1 and put a new spark plug on it and cranked it. And we have no spark! What now!!!

MitchFloyd · 01-14-2015, 01:32 PM

Start with the replacing the coil and distributor parts. IE.. points/condenser and rotor.

53lowdown · 01-14-2015, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963chevyc20

Ok! Progress is good!! I replacEd my battery to get normal cranking speed. Now I pulled the plug wire on cylinder number 1 and put a new spark plug on it and cranked it. And we have no spark! What now!!!

With key in the ON position, do you have power to the coil? I'd check that first!

1963chevyc20 · 01-14-2015, 04:41 PM

Ok. No power to the coil I think? Not sure . Ok but now there is a NEW issue at hand. A bigger one. My starter harness started smokeing! Just out of the blue? Do they even make those? This whole thing is turning out to be one big nightmare!!! I need to grit this ol girl back on the road!

Mathew21 · 01-14-2015, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963chevyc20

Ok. No power to the coil I think? Not sure . Ok but now there is a NEW issue at hand. A bigger one. My starter harness started smokeing! Just out of the blue? Do they even make those? This whole thing is turning out to be one big nightmare!!! I need to grit this ol girl back on the road!

1963chevyc20
I know this is the wrong place to post this. But since you ignore all my Pm's. I'm still waiting to be reimbursed for the shipping of that wheel I gave you for free.

1963chevyc20 · 01-14-2015, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathew21

1963chevyc20
I know this is the wrong place to post this. But since you ignore all my Pm's. I'm still waiting to be reimbursed for the shipping of that wheel I gave you for free.

Thanks for the reminder. I am not ignoring you. I have not got a pm in quite a long time. I have not been logged in in almost 7 months. I forgot all about this. I have not looked or even thought about that rim in that long. I will send you 37.00 cash this week. Will pm you a tracking number if they offer one for an envelope.

1963chevyc20 · 01-14-2015, 05:39 PM

Ok back to the truck issue. Where can I find a starter harness? One that won't smoke!

1963chevyc20 · 01-14-2015, 05:40 PM

Ok back to the issue. At hand. Where can I find a starter harness. One that does not smoke!!

1963chevyc20 · 01-14-2015, 05:41 PM

My posts keep double posting! Grrr

Mathew21 · 01-14-2015, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963chevyc20

Thanks for the reminder. I am not ignoring you. I have not got a pm in quite a long time. I have not been logged in in almost 7 months. I forgot all about this. I have not looked or even thought about that rim in that long. I will send you 37.00 cash this week. Will pm you a tracking number if they offer one for an envelope.

Thank you and I hope you figure out what is wrong your Truck.

1963chevyc20 · 01-14-2015, 08:27 PM

You're welcome and thank you. I have the money in an envilope now. Will put thur in the.morning on the way to work.

01-10-2015, 05:31 PM	#1
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	The darn thing won't start? Ok. My ol63 has a 283 that won't start my battery has 800 cranking amps and is new. When I turn the key the motor turns real slow neg batt cable gets hot and smokes and when I turn the key off it keeps cranking? It was turning fast the other day but did not sputter untill I put some starter fluid in it it did run for a few seconds.

01-10-2015, 06:10 PM	#2
blown240 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA Posts: 772	Re: The darn thing won't start? Starter worn out? Solenoid not disengaging... __________________ '61 Panel - Helms Bakery Truck - Daily Driver - FOR SALE

01-10-2015, 06:21 PM	#3
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Just replacEd starter solenoid neg battery cable starter switch and fuel filter. No more smoking battery cable I know I am getting fuel cause I used a clear filter starter dis engages when key is off. Still cranks slow battery is an ever start maxx24 it is onlyv4 months old had it tested yester day only rated for 700 cca's he said it had 800 when he tested it.

01-10-2015, 07:45 PM	#4
dtkarst Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hays, KS Posts: 2,490	Re: The darn thing won't start? Mine did that and it turns out my starter harness was spliced in 9 spots. So I rebuilt it and it worked fine. Of course I checked the ignition and what not first.

01-10-2015, 10:53 PM	#5
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Well it was running about 6months ago. I messed up the Trans in it and have not got around to fix it yet. Well I put the new one in and this is where she left me. The ol gal was running really good to. Prime the pedal one time go out tour the key for a second and fired right up! Not doing it now. What elce should I check. Every time you crank it the battery has to re charge?

01-11-2015, 12:02 AM	#6
TJ's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 10,384	Re: The darn thing won't start? The mysteries of electrical! Sounds like it could also be and ignition switch issue as well. Take a light and check your wiring...also check for a major draw during cranking...something obviously is taking power away from the starter causing it to crank over slowly and since a major draw through wiring makes wires hot....yeah...melting....been through it....on the road...killed the truck....luckily got it going and was only 2 or 3 miles from home...called using to small a gauge of wiring for my electric fuel pump. lol __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw

01-11-2015, 12:05 AM	#7
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,124	Re: The darn thing won't start? If it cranks slow, look for hot spots or replace the big + cable. Timing could be too advanced. Less likely is a resistive connection in the solenoid. Cranking the engine uses hundreds of amps while charging is tens of amps. It take a lot of charging to make up for a little cranking. The ignition switch has nothing at all to do with slow cranking. The ignition switch controls the solenoid and the solenoid controls the starter.

01-11-2015, 03:07 AM	#8
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: The darn thing won't start? Try looking at the 6ga cable that runs from the positive across to the horn relay bus. Sometimes that connection gets loose at the positive battery post, or somewhere along the way over the radiator to the other side of the radiator support. It happened to me once, and I'll tell you I almost gave up on the thing altogether. Don't rule out any wiring harness or connection until you know for certain that there is no break in the line. 90% of all electrical issues fail at connection points. Resistance is a huge factor, and neglect, or poorly cramped terminals and connectors account for most issues. Don't give up! Approach it like a challenge, and go by it bit by bit. Fortunately these electrical systems are relatively simple compared to today's trucks!

01-13-2015, 01:22 AM	#10
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Re: The darn thing won't start? Try looking at the 6ga cable that runs from the positive across to the horn relay bus. Sometimes that connection gets loose at the positive battery post, or somewhere along the way over the radiator to the other side of the radiator support. It happened to me once, and I'll tell you I almost gave up on the thing altogether. Don't rule out any wiring harness or connection until you know for certain that there is no break in the line. 90% of all electrical issues fail at connection points. Resistance is a huge factor, and neglect, or poorly cramped terminals and connectors account for most issues. Don't give up! Approach it like a challenge, and go by it bit by bit. Fortunately these electrical systems are relatively simple compared to today's trucks! : Can you post a picture on what that will look like

01-13-2015, 01:26 AM	#11
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Ok. So I think the battery is a big issue. Also where can I find a complete harness for the whole truck motor and all? I need to take the cab off to do some frame work and want to re wire the whole truck.

01-13-2015, 11:05 AM	#12
63burban Chevy addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: Iron Ridge, WI Posts: 1,085	Re: The darn thing won't start? Do you have a ground strap from the battery to the engine and is it good? sometimes they can break inside the insulation. Also make sure you have a good ground strap from the engine to the body. Classic Truck Parts of America has the most reasonable price on American Auto Wire harnesses.

01-13-2015, 12:27 PM	#13
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Where would the gRound strap be? Where can I put a new one?also I had an after market batt gauge. I never did like it. While is was sitting I pulled it out. It had one wire going to the ignition switch and another wire running thru the firewall to a black wire that ran acrostic the grill to the horn relay. It was a red wire to black. I did not think anything of it so I just un hooked it from the black wire and left it.

01-14-2015, 01:03 PM	#15
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Ok! Progress is good!! I replacEd my battery to get normal cranking speed. Now I pulled the plug wire on cylinder number 1 and put a new spark plug on it and cranked it. And we have no spark! What now!!!

01-14-2015, 01:32 PM	#16
MitchFloyd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 286	Re: The darn thing won't start? Start with the replacing the coil and distributor parts. IE.. points/condenser and rotor. __________________ '62 Chevy K10

01-14-2015, 04:41 PM	#18
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Ok. No power to the coil I think? Not sure . Ok but now there is a NEW issue at hand. A bigger one. My starter harness started smokeing! Just out of the blue? Do they even make those? This whole thing is turning out to be one big nightmare!!! I need to grit this ol girl back on the road!



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01-14-2015, 05:39 PM	#21
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Ok back to the truck issue. Where can I find a starter harness? One that won't smoke!

01-14-2015, 05:40 PM	#22
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? Ok back to the issue. At hand. Where can I find a starter harness. One that does not smoke!!

01-14-2015, 05:41 PM	#23
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? My posts keep double posting! Grrr

01-14-2015, 08:27 PM	#25
1963chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: durant oklahoma Posts: 277	Re: The darn thing won't start? You're welcome and thank you. I have the money in an envilope now. Will put thur in the.morning on the way to work.

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