Engine cranks but will not start, suspect bad wiring?

SIENNAWISE

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
7.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
990,000 MILES

1997 Motorhome with 454 Vortec, Battery is a new 650 CCA charged at 12.6 was starting up last week with no issues but now won't turn over, it cranks just won't start drops down to 12.4, black wire seems frayed at connection point not the battery terminal, all connections are clean and tight. Thanks for any help.
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4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

Since this is a motorhome, the wiring may be difficult to trace, so let's start with a couple of basics.

In most cases, a crank no start condition is caused by either loss of spark at the spark plugs or a loss of fuel.

Try this. See if the engine will start if you use starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, we know there is a fuel-related problem. If there is no change, I need you to check if there is spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, June 2nd, 2023 AT 8:57 PM

SIENNAWISE

MEMBER
61 POSTS

Hi Joe, I thought about starting fluid too, since it's fuel injected and I understand there are some risks, I will only try it as a last resort, I always thought it only worked on carburetor engines only, now I know different, my money is on bad wiring or the starter, I have a backup replacement just in case. I'm going to have that hot wire checked out and replace it, if necessary, will keep you posted.

Thanks,
Bryan

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Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 AT 9:23 AM

SIENNAWISE

MEMBER
61 POSTS

Well, I was fortunate enough to get a local mechanic to come check it, it turns out it was the starter it was OEM 36 years old and finally gave up the ghost, luckily I had s new one I bought at O'Reilly's a year ago, he replaced, and problem solved.

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Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 AT 11:57 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know you got it fixed. However, I thought it was cranking but not starting. That's why I didn't mention the starter.

Regardless, I'm glad it's running again.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe

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Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 AT 10:10 PM