1989 GMC C3500 Replaced thermostat and engine will not stat

Tiny
MARVINR
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 GMC C3500
Engine Cooling problem
1989 GMC C3500 V8 Two Wheel Drive 195000 miles

I replaced the thermostat on my 1989 GMC 3500 454 w/fi, and broke the
2 wires under the retaining nut. I put a new end and reinstalled, and
now the engine will not start. Any ideas?
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 4:49 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
This is a strange one-Themostat replacement and 2 broken wires repaired and won't give in.

Do below below and comeback with some results before we continue.

Get a starting fluid/ether/better off gas in a spray bottle and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, cap and rotor /distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, ECM, Ignitor cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
I'm thinking that either your replacement end is not making good contact with the wires, or when they twisted around the wire broke inside of the insulation and you cant see it.

They're probably ground wires for you FI or your coil
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:00 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Buddy-you might be right on the wires lets see what happens when spark and fuel are checked-
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:03 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
GRRR.
This was the 4th topic that you were responding to the same time I was.

I deleted my other posts, but I felt like I needed to leave this one in place.

I wish there was some way that we would be locked out of a thread if a mod is already in the reply screen.
Like on Family Feud who ever hits the buzzer the fastest gets to answer the question first.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
MARVINR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I just had the in-tank-fuel pump replaced last month, ($$$) but I tried your starting fluid trial and the engine tried to start, so I don't think it's an electrical problem. Probably I don't have a good ground on the wires I re-installed. I will cut back an inch or two and use solder this time. Thanks Guys!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:12 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Let us know if you do come up with a solution
We like to know when the problem is fixed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
MARVINR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Buddycraigg. I'll get back to you as soon as I get a result, one way or another. Thanks again.

Marvin Reeves
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
MARVINR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Buddycraigg. You were right-on about the broken ground wire. Replaced end and soldered and truck cranked like gang-busters. Thank You!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 22nd, 2009 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Very cool.
Truck fixed in 23 hours 40 minutes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 22nd, 2009 AT 4:37 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links