Truck won't start

[1158]

Truck is a 1987 Silverado. 4x4 with 350.

 

The solenoid went bad, so I went ahead and replaced the starter/solenoid (looked like the original parts). Before figuring out the solenoid was bad, I replaced the battery because it was over 6 years old. Now when I go to start it, I get a repeated clicking sound, but it is NOT the familiar solenoid click. It is much louder and more rapid. I took the starter back and had it tested, it is good. Then, just to make sure it was not a starter or engine problem I hooked up the starter and grounded it but didn't bolt it in. I got the same results, so I think I can rule out the starter.

 

I have also noticed my oil pressure gauge (stock gauge) pegs when I key the ignition to start, but not when the ignition is on. The water temp gauge does not move. Since replacing the starter I have replaced the battery to starter cable, replaced the one of the chassis grounds, and replaced the oil pressure sender/switch. I have no idea what to try next. I'm thinking I have to have a grounding problem somewhere, but with the temp gauge not moving I'm not so sure. Anyone have any thoughts?

[jacksZ71]

Truck is a 1987 Silverado.  4x4 with 350.

 

The solenoid went bad, so I went ahead and replaced the starter/solenoid (looked like the original parts).  Before figuring out the solenoid was bad, I replaced the battery because it was over 6 years old.  Now when I go to start it, I get a repeated clicking sound, but it is NOT the familiar solenoid click.  It is much louder and more rapid.  I took the starter back and had it tested, it is good.  Then, just to make sure it was not a starter or engine problem I hooked up the starter and grounded it but didn't bolt it in.  I got the same results, so I think I can rule out the starter.

 

I have also noticed my oil pressure gauge (stock gauge) pegs when I key the ignition to start, but not when the ignition is on.  The water temp gauge does not move.  Since replacing the starter I have replaced the battery to starter cable, replaced the one of the chassis grounds, and replaced the oil pressure sender/switch.  I have no idea what to try next.  I'm thinking I have to have a grounding problem somewhere, but with the temp gauge not moving I'm not so sure.  Anyone have any thoughts?

 

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[jacksZ71]

If your sure the starter is good and the main starter to battery cable is good,make sure the battery is fully charged. try jumpimg the solenoid wire: run a jumper wire from the +battery terminal to the solenoid ignition switch wire (the small terminal on the solenoid if it works you probly have a problem in the ignition switch or wires to the starter, or possibly one of the safty switches in the automatic transmission or or if standart in the clutch/ newtral switch. If the solenoid is clicking and the starter has a good ground and live main cable, the solenoid may have poor contacks not allowing it to engage enough to turn the engine, bad news your engine could also be seized, try putting a wrenge on the crank pully and turning over the engine by hand.

good luck

jacksz71

[1158]

If your sure the starter is good and the main starter to battery cable is good,make sure the battery is fully charged. try jumpimg the solenoid wire: run a jumper wire from the +battery terminal to the solenoid ignition switch wire (the small terminal on the solenoid if it works you probly have a problem in the ignition switch or wires to the starter, or possibly one of the safty switches in the automatic transmission or or if standart in the clutch/ newtral switch. If the solenoid is clicking and the starter has a good ground and live main cable, the solenoid may have poor contacks not allowing it to engage enough to turn the engine, bad news your engine could also be seized, try putting a wrenge on the crank pully and turning over the engine by hand.

good luck

jacksz71

 

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I don't think the engine is seized because the starter is making making the same noise when I have it hooked up up but not bolted in. If the engine were seized, whichwas my first thought were once I found out the starter was good, the starter would turn freely, instead it still makes this noise.

 

I forgot to add that the truck does have a standard transmission, so I guess it could be the saftey switch, though nothing happens if the clutch is not engaged. I'm starting to wonder if it is something with the ignition switch. I'll try jumping to the solenoid tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks for your help.

[1158]

I just tried jumping across the terminals and still get the same noise. I also tried running a jumper cable from the negative terminal on the battery to the block near the starter. I still get the noise. I'm stumped. The starter is good (been tested twice) and makes the noise whether it is bolted in and against the flywheel or out of the engine, hooked up and grounded to the frame.