Starting problem?

Hi,

What you described sounds like a weak connection. When this happens, do you notice the lights in the vehicle dim or go out for a second or two? If so, first confirm the battery terminals are clean and tight.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If you replaced the pickup tube, I have a feeling the ground to the engine block wasn't properly tightened or connected. On the V8, it is on the rear of the engine block. See pic below.

Check that ground and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

You are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out. I'm hoping it's a simple ground issue.

Take care and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Joe

Hi,

Did it ever start since the repair work was done? I hear the starter trying to engage. If you are smelling something burning, it certainly could be the starter. Keep in mind, the larger wire on the starter has 12v at all times. If the only time you see smoke is when starting it, check the smaller gauge purple wire on the starter. Make sure it isn't shorting to something. Also, how was the starter checked?

Listening to the video, it sounds like the circuit is complete and it should be working. Here is what I suggest:

1) Check the wires on the starter motor and make sure they are tight and not pinched or damaged in any way. Do the same with the battery. It looks like the terminals are new, but make sure the wiring that was installed on them is making good contact and tight.

2) Check to make sure nothing is preventing the engine from turning. See if you can turn it manually at the crankshaft using a socket and a breaker bar.

3) Remove the starter and have it bench-tested at a parts store. Most will do it free of charge.

If you have already done all of these things, let me know. Also, if you are seeing smoke, be careful. It can catch fire. Check to see if either of the battery terminals is hot.

I have a feeling either we have a loose connection, a bad starter, or the starter wasn't reinstalled correctly and is preventing the starter from turning.

Let me know.

Joe

I just watched the video again. I copied a portion of it and have attached it below. What am I looking at in this pic? Is that power to the starter? I can't tell for sure, but it looks like the positive cable goes from red to black. Let me know.

Do me a favor. See if you can turn the engine by hand. Something may have come apart. Also, please be careful. Remember, the power from the battery to the starter is direct. There are no fuses. If it gets hot enough, it can catch fire.

Something isn't making sense. Chances are we are missing something simple. I assume the starter is tight. Also, when you had the oil pan off to replace the pick-up tube, did you remove the front timing chain cover to access the oil pump for anything?

It sounds like the engine is unable to turn. The starter is trying but can't turn it. That's why I'm suggesting you see if the engine turns by hand.

Let me know if you can turn it by hand. If you can, disconnect the negative battery terminal and remove and reinstall the starter to make sure it is going in correctly.

Joe

Hi,

Did the oil pump lock up? Also, were you able to turn the crank pulley at all? If you place a socket and breaker bar on the crank pulley, can you turn it?

Let me know. Hopefully, I can come up with a plan to save what you have unless you know the engine is locked up.

Take care,

Joe

PS: If you change your mind and want the oil pump replacement directions, let me know that as well.

I'm wondering if something with the pump itself has jammed. Let me know if you are able to turn it with a breaker bar and we'll go from there. If you can, then we need to pull the starter again.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

That isn't good news. However, listening to the videos you sent, I had a feeling the engine locked up. I didn't realize there was a funny sound prior to it stalling. What did it sound like?

Regardless, I'm here to help if you want to replace it or remove the oil pan to inspect prior work or remove the timing cover to inspect the oil pump.

Let me know which direction you want to go and between the two of us, we'll get you back on the road.

Take care,

Joe

Sounds like a plan. Let me know what I can do to help. If you try to get me, I'm usually here every day. However, since I work full-time elsewhere, I'm not here until the evening.

Regardless, let me know and I will get back to you.

Take care and good luck finding a replacement.

Joe