Starter wiring problems

[AuroraGirl]

What's the best way to test the wiring

directly power the starter from the batteryh with a jumper cable (or something) and make sure your engine is grounded to the battery negative (a battery cable to the block or starter is best, but the alternator bracket is the OEM route. That needs to be clean and good connection ebtween the cable,bracket, intake, and (water pump? head?) and to the battery.

Does the starter turn over?
at that point you move out from there.

 

[Ken B]

Excellent description!

 

[Ken B]

followed the advice or Auroragirl , thank you! , and starter seems fine. I pulled it and "jumpered" it and it spun fast and strong , so I am not getting power when I turn the key. Will have to check connection on steering column and wiring going to starter from "cab" not battery.

 

[CalSgt]

followed the advice or Auroragirl , thank you! , and starter seems fine. I pulled it and "jumpered" it and it spun fast and strong , so I am not getting power when I turn the key. Will have to check connection on steering column and wiring going to starter from "cab" not battery.

ETA: I'm a dummy... Didn't realize you are not the OP.

Is the battery grounded to the engine block? there should be a heavy battery cable going from the negative terminal to the block somewhere

I was kind of wondering if its the giant cable connected to the alternator mounting bracket, it just doesn't look like its hooked up is why I ask.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[CalSgt]

followed the advice or Auroragirl , thank you! , and starter seems fine. I pulled it and "jumpered" it and it spun fast and strong , so I am not getting power when I turn the key. Will have to check connection on steering column and wiring going to starter from "cab" not battery.

Unhook the purple wire from the starter solenoid, use a test light to see if it gets power when the key is turned to the "Start" position.

 

[Ken B]

thanks sarge. I will try that,,,,,

 

[Snoots]

Neutral Safety switch issue?

 

[AuroraGirl]

Neutral Safety switch issue?

Forgot that existed lol

 

[Ken B]

yep process of elimination, starter spun strong when bench tested.....one by one try to deduce the problem. as always lots of good help in here.

 

[Ken B]

OK so just had an epiphany, revelation, or duh thought. I swapped a donor cab and wiring onto my truck, this wiring was from a manual trans. I used my original automatic steering column, am I missing a connection for the neutral safety switch?!
I have power to instrument cluster.

 

[AuroraGirl]

OK so just had an epiphany, revelation, or duh thought. I swapped a donor cab and wiring onto my truck, this wiring was from a manual trans. I used my original automatic steering column, am I missing a connection for the neutral safety switch?!
I have power to instrument cluster.

=That probably does it

 

[AuroraGirl]

1980 manual column wiring plug

 

[Ken B]

so I think I took all my existing(original) wiring except under the hood. So under dash and column=original. underhood came with the donor cab and motor. So in my mind I lost a wire connection for a neutral safety switch
Hell now I am even confusing myself.

 

[DoubleDingo]

ETA: I'm a dummy... Didn't realize you are not the OP.

Is the battery grounded to the engine block? there should be a heavy battery cable going from the negative terminal to the block somewhere

I was kind of wondering if its the giant cable connected to the alternator mounting bracket, it just doesn't look like its hooked up is why I ask.

You must be registered for see images attach

Sure does appear to be missing the charge wire there.

 

[Ken B]

I think I am gonna bite the bullet and order a new engine wiring harness from Summit. Wasn't in the plan but the original has been hacked previously and now without a neutral safety switch "leg" might just be easiest way to proceed. Since most of the wiring is disconnected from my searching.....Anyone have any review of summit harnesses or others open to suggestions.