Start after storage

1977 CHEVROLET TRUCK
6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
JUMPSTICKS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
1977 Chevy truck (6 cyl. 3 spd) not started in 4 years. Has new battery but will not crank. When trying to start, the instrument panel lights go out. What do I nned to do?
Mar 14, 2011 at 5:45 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
There's a bad connection somewhere. Check the connections on the starter as that's where GM ties in with the wires feeding the rest of the truck. Don't overlook the cable connections on your new battery. Also check the small black wire from the battery negative cable where it is bolted to the inner fender or body. If you don't find the problem, have a test light or digital voltmeter handy when you holler back.
Mar 14, 2011 at 5:55 PM
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
Once you get the problem to appear, either by trying to start the engine or by turning on the head lights, leave whatever you turned on, on so the problem doesn't have a chance to correct itself. I like to leave the head lights turned on so I can watch for a change in brightness when I wiggle wires. Use a test light or voltmeter to measure the voltage at the bolts holding the battery cables to the battery. You must find at least 12.0 volts or the test light must be bright. If not, clean and tighten those connections.
Mar 14, 2011 at 6:24 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JUMPSTICKS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Will try tomorrow. I think I may have a bad connection to one of the battery terminals. Thanks, I'll let you know
Mar 15, 2011 at 3:25 AM