judolizard
Junior Member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2025
- Posts
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Spartanburg, SC
- First Name
- Chris
- Truck Year
- 1983
- Truck Model
- K5 Blazer
- Engine Size
- 5.7L 350ci V8
hey guys first time posting
I did the same thing here hooking up the battery incorrectly, noticed some smoke, and many years later after getting time to mess with it, found the fusible link next to the firewall had no copper in it. Right now I have it jumpered for troubleshooting until I can get that replaced with a new fusible link. Before finding this there was no dash, brake, dome, etc. in my K5. I thought for certain the ignition switch was the culprit but I tested it after the fusible link testing and purple coming out of the ignition switch is hot now. Nothing before the bad fusible link find however.
A few questions:
I get no start when I slide the ignition switch forward (since it's off of the steering column right now, I can play with it without the key), so I'm wondering if the reverse battery situation could have destroyed the starter solenoid. I've never replaced a GM one on a 350 so can I go cheap and get just the solenoid or would replacing the entire starter be best? Is it a PITA to replace the starter? I haven't checked the S terminal on the solenoid yet but I'm going to - inclined to believe it's going to be hot. I will also test the alternator once I get everything started as well to see if it's bad too.
Also, since I took apart the steering shaft to find some other stuff I need to replace, is there anything important I need to be aware of when I am putting the shaft back together? Going to replace rag joint and possibly the entire shaft since the a set screw broke off and I don't feel like getting it out....but I can. I just want to make sure it's good so I don't have to worry about it.
I did a search for what else is inline before the starter and that purple wire and I do have an auto, so it could be the NSS. My concern looking down the steering shaft is I could not find a steering shaft mounted neutral safety switch. The truck has a 400 or a 700R4 - I need to confirm this too - didn't have time yesterday. Could it be bypassed by previous owner? I've never tried to start it when it wasn't in park lol.
I also don't want this to happen again so do you guys know if anyone sells like an aftermarket diode or something to put on these trucks?
I did the same thing here hooking up the battery incorrectly, noticed some smoke, and many years later after getting time to mess with it, found the fusible link next to the firewall had no copper in it. Right now I have it jumpered for troubleshooting until I can get that replaced with a new fusible link. Before finding this there was no dash, brake, dome, etc. in my K5. I thought for certain the ignition switch was the culprit but I tested it after the fusible link testing and purple coming out of the ignition switch is hot now. Nothing before the bad fusible link find however.
A few questions:
I get no start when I slide the ignition switch forward (since it's off of the steering column right now, I can play with it without the key), so I'm wondering if the reverse battery situation could have destroyed the starter solenoid. I've never replaced a GM one on a 350 so can I go cheap and get just the solenoid or would replacing the entire starter be best? Is it a PITA to replace the starter? I haven't checked the S terminal on the solenoid yet but I'm going to - inclined to believe it's going to be hot. I will also test the alternator once I get everything started as well to see if it's bad too.
Also, since I took apart the steering shaft to find some other stuff I need to replace, is there anything important I need to be aware of when I am putting the shaft back together? Going to replace rag joint and possibly the entire shaft since the a set screw broke off and I don't feel like getting it out....but I can. I just want to make sure it's good so I don't have to worry about it.
I did a search for what else is inline before the starter and that purple wire and I do have an auto, so it could be the NSS. My concern looking down the steering shaft is I could not find a steering shaft mounted neutral safety switch. The truck has a 400 or a 700R4 - I need to confirm this too - didn't have time yesterday. Could it be bypassed by previous owner? I've never tried to start it when it wasn't in park lol.
I also don't want this to happen again so do you guys know if anyone sells like an aftermarket diode or something to put on these trucks?
