Scratchin my head!

[Chris Jackson]

Hello all,
Just picked an 86 c10 350/350.
I'm hooking up open ended plugs and wires under the hood (thermostat etc). When I connected the thermostat wire it tripped something, now when I engage the key switch to start I lose ALL power. I can disconnect the battery and let it set for a few and I regain power (lights, radio) but when I engage key switch to start the same thing happens.

Any ideas are appreciated,
Thanks, Chris

 

[bucket]

Howdy!

Sounds like it could be as simple as poor battery cable connections.

 

[Chris Jackson]

I would agree, but I replaced all that last week. Lol ‍

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site. If you disconnect the t-stat wire does it still do the same thing? If it cures your issue, you t-stat wire is shorted to ground somewhere.

 

[1973c10]

Welcome

 

[Chris Jackson]

Good morning guys and thanks for the greetings!
It now does it either way. I'm thinking I may have a fusible link that isn't quite blown out and is letting just enough current run thru to power up but not crank.

 

[Babs]

 

[WFO]

Welcome from up in the Panhandle.

 

[Termite_Delight]

Good morning guys and thanks for the greetings!
It now does it either way. I'm thinking I may have a fusible link that isn't quite blown out and is letting just enough current run thru to power up but not crank.

That's what happened to my '85, the Previous Owner replaced the alternator, starter, cables and battery. I installed a new terminal end and was good to go!