Hello, i have a 85 chevy k20 4wd truck. I was in the woods pulling some trees we were cutting down. I shut my truck off, and when I went to start it it did nothing. The headlights turn on, and the horn works, but i'm getting no power to the ignition. When i opened the hood the batter fliped out of holder, and was upside down. I checked fuses, ignition fuse was blown, changed that, and still nothing. I tried another battery, and nothing. We tried jumping the starter, and it rolls over, and wants to start, but won't stay running. I purchased a ignition switch, took old one off, now i'm having trouble putting the new one back on. There is a actuator rod, not sure if the new one just sits on it, or what, don't see how that would do anything. Any suggestions, or other things that could be problem, or do you think its the switch. Thanks1985 Chevy K-20 won%26039;t start!?
Sounds like the fusible link wire might be burned. This truck may have more than one. The one that feeds the ignition switch could be at a terminal block either on the firewall above the distributor or at the starter on the stud where the cable attaches. Disconnect the battery before you work on it. The fusible link is a portion of the wire that is smaller in diameter than the main wire it feeds and it is connected with a molded connector that is part of the wire, You must clip off the thin portion of wire and replace it with new fusible link wire, a new connector and a new eyelet. The wire is a special alloy that burns when it overheats and the insulation is silicone so that it does not catch fire. The purpose is to protect the main harness from being destroyed. Be sure to use fusible link wire to replace the original. You can tell if it is burned if you lightly pull on the wire and it stretches like a rubber band.
As far as the switch goes, you should have left that to a mechanic that knows how to install and adjust it. You may have damaged the link rod assembly inside the steering column and that requires special tools to disassemble if you have a tilt column. The switch itself is at the bottom of the column and only needs standard tools, The switch is preset to align with the lock tumbler in the lock position. Just place the switch over the end of the rod so the part sticking up aligns in the hole in the switch. The mounting screws should line up with the holes in the metal part of the switch.Good luck1985 Chevy K-20 won%26039;t start!?
Hi did you test for sparks?
An easy way to test for spark is with an inexpensive spark tester. This is a device that is readily available at most auto supply stores. You use it by simply holding it next to a spark plug wire. If you see the neon lamp flashing while someone cranks the engine, then you have spark and should move on to checking for fuel. If there is no spark, or a very weak spark, you will have to do a series of methodical tests that vary depending on the type of vehicle. You will need a repair manual for your car in order to get the correct diagnostic procedures.1985 Chevy K-20 won%26039;t start!?
just got here but i am with firedray.. sounds like a burnt fuselink1985 Chevy K-20 won%26039;t start!?
when you said you replaced the switch you do meen the electical part im assuming anyway the switch has a hole in the bottom of it thats where the actuator rod goes so when you turn the key tumbler the actuator rod can move the electical switch which may have to be ajusted so that your acessoray postion works also you should then try to use a test light and see if yor getting power to the starter when the switch is turned to the start postion you can also try plugging in the switch and use a small pocket screwdriver to move the switch and see if it will start GOOD LUCK1985 Chevy K-20 won%26039;t start!?
you could have melted a wire, before the fuse blew. Since you flipped the battery, it it most likely shorted something out. Also, its a bit confusing, saying that it wants to start, but it wont stay running, If it does start, you have another issue. probably flooded the engine if you tried pumping the pedal too much.1985 Chevy K-20 won%26039;t start!?
Check your wiring harness near the distributor for a fusible link, usually integrated with the wire and manifests itself as a thicker portion of the wire. Of course, if it is burned out, it may be more obvious than that.
