Replaced gaskets, now it won't start

[kalger]

About a month ago I started the process of going through and replacing gaskets/filters in my 1975 GMC C1500 (350 engine). I finally got it put back together today, put fluids in, and reconnected the battery. When I went to start it up, nothing. The interior light didn't come on, the dash didn't do anything, and there's no indication that turning the ignition did anything other than unlock the steering column. It doesn't crank, it's just... nothing. The battery is charged and testing it with the multimeter shows that I have 13.53 volts available.

Not being that knowledgeable about auto electric, I'm stymied about what to check to get the electrons flowing properly again.

Tasked performed over the last month (if it helps to diagnose):

+ Transmission mount, filter, and gasket replaced.
+ Rear main seal replaced.
+ Oil pan & oil pan gasket replaced.
+ Timing chain & sprockets replaced.
+ Timing cover gasket replaced.
+ Front seal replaced.
+ Water pump replaced. Thanks, @Snoots for the FlowKooler recommendation!
+ Engine mount bolts replaced.

In the process of all of the above, I had to remove and reinstall the starter, alternator, and distributor cap.

I realize that problem-solving in this format is a challenge, but I don't have the first inclination as to where to start the troubleshooting process.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nvrenuf]

I’d look at the starter again and see if a wire was left off.

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

Bad connection at battery, bad main lead to or from the starter, bad main ground to the engine (should be on alternator bracket or thermostat bell, or groundstrap on back of block to firewall.

By bad, either reistalled where it doesnt belong, put on a painted surface, corroded, damaged, etc, but not connecting.

Start by seeing if your grounding. Using a test light or multimeter, touch positive + side of battery and any bare metal spot on block, chassis, and cab.
Next, see if your getting power. Touch negiative - side of battery and any spot of truck that's hot + (big stud on starter, bus bar on firewall, etc)

Start there and see how that goes, and report back.

 

[Grit dog]

^What he said.
This shouldn’t be too hard to track down.

 

[kalger]

It's amazing what happens when one reconnects ALL of the wires.

Now to troubleshoot some gauge issues. I'm learning that with classic vehicles, the learning never ends.

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

It's amazing what happens when one reconnects ALL of the wires.

Now to troubleshoot some gauge issues. I'm learning that with classic vehicles, the learning never ends.

Haha, very true.

So what dit it end up being?

 

[kalger]

In an effort to make myself not sound like a complete, well, doof, I'll explain my process.

As this was my first real endeavor into a project like this I was pretty focused on keeping everything organized. Nuts/bolts got put into their own container that was labeled. Pictures were taken of where things went. Notes were taken along the way for future reference, etc.

When I started putting everything back together I went one step at a time and, again, was focused on making sure everything was put back together correctly. Thus, when I finally went to start it up and nothing happened I was beyond perplexed as I was very confident that I had done everything "correctly." My nightmare had come to pass, I did all that work and, in the process, wound up killing my square body. Which led to my original post.

After the responses from @nvrenuf, @Grit dog, and @AyWoSch Motors I had hope. So, I jacked the truck back up onto a jack stand and crawled back under the truck. Side note... I was very hopeful that it was going to be a while before I had to do that again. Anyway, I shimmied myself into place, turned the light towards the starter motor and there was the culprit. The positive battery cable was dangling there unattached. Not sure how it managed to detach itself from the starter (remember, I did everything "correctly"), but alas, there it was.

Put that (back???) onto the starter solenoid, crawled back out, lowered the truck, reconnected the battery, and it started right up.

Thanks for all the support folks!

 

[idahovette]

NOT laughing at you, laughing WITH you @kalger .........always remember.......... STUFF happens!!!!!!

 

[scrap--metal]

Not sure how it managed to detach itself from the starter (remember, I did everything "correctly"), but alas, there it was.

We've all been there at some point...

Keep working on your truck, and you'll be able to exercise your problem solving skills again. Everyone will be here to help you too!

 

[Randy and Easton]

@kalger don’t beat yourself up at all. The guys here have saved us from ourselves a bunch of times ! missing something simple. It has been great messing something up and getting help to fix it. Easton (he’s 16 now but he bought truck when he was 14) has learned it’s ok to make a mistake and to ask for help, he has learned humility. Most of all he is learning to help others even when it may be inconvenient, which is a priceless trait to possess. The guys here have true servants hearts! We try to help others when we can, it’s just so great being part of this forum!

Proverbs 27:17

Randy and E

 

[DoubleDingo]

Glad you found the culprit and that all your hard work paid off.

 

[kalger]

Thanks all.
Most importantly, as of the moment anyway, no more fluid leaks!

 

[DoubleDingo]

And that is peace of mind right there.

 

[nvrenuf]

Glad it was an easy fix!

 

[Randy and Easton]

@kalger is that not the greatest feeling ever? we are on our last leak at the moment…. Plotting our strategy…

Randy and Easton