The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 58 wiring problems

I have alot of original wiring and alot of splices and some modifications by a previous owner. Despite this, the truck has been maily trouble free electrically speaking. I'm sure NO electrician and don't expect a diagnosis but maybe some of you could bounce a couple ideas off me. Here's what happened: I started the truck up and went for a drive, everything fine. I stopped for gas and the truck would not start at all.

1. I looked under the hood and the loom with the wires to the starter somehow got up against the exhaust manifold. The wires weren't melted but got very hot.

2. I have a dash push button for the starter with one wire to the solenoid and one to the fuse block. The fuse was blown.

3. While checking things out, the little 20 gauge wire to the fuel gauge seemed to have burned and popped loose from the ignition switch.

I got a jump start from the AAA man who put the jumper cables at the starter wires, and it started right up. I got it home and of course it wouldn't start and then none of the gauges would give a reading when the key was turned in the ignition.
I replaced the wire from the solenoid to ammeter, ignition, and to starter button. I have a 283 with HEI and alternator, so there are cut wires all over.
Yes, I know it is time to completely rewire the truck to make it reliable and safe but would like to get it running in the meantime. Thanks.

The ignition and starting wiring is fairly simple. Get rid of all the burnt wires and replace them. A wiring diagram can be found with google search and you will probably find something in the tech tips section of stovebolt. Make sure you use the correct size replacement wires or you will be back in the same boat very quickly.

the 55 wiring diagram will be close enough, sounds like you've got a lot of checking to do

Bill