Vehicle info: 1983 S10 Chevy PU/2WD/auto tranny/2.8 eng/tahoe trim/58K actual miles.

Prob: Filled up at gas station. Started normal. Drove out of station a few feet and died. Nothing happens when ign engaged. After pushing into vacant business, found headlights/dash lights/dome lights/horn work. Head lights remain bright and unaffected when trying to start. tail lights/brake lights/hazard lights/ radio/heater fan doesn't work. Located fuse box under dash and visually checked IGN fuse. appears ok. Where do I start checking? Remember headlights are bright and unaffected when Ign is in start position.
Thanks.

Jack

Check the fusible links attached to the starter. Pull on each one, if any stretch, replace them with fuse wire.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Thank you. I didn't realize there were fusible links on the starter. Plan on checking them tomorrow.

Jack

To add: GM side post battery connections are a problem spot. Takes little for lighting but the whole enchilada power of battery for starting,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Thanks. Do keep in mind that the tail lights/brake lights/ turning signals/ hazards/ radio/ heater fan doesn't work either. I'm trying to locate a full wiring schematic, incl ignition wiring. Also no click of the solenoid on battery. So far, lots of things I haven't checked but the conditions just make no sense.

Jack

Until you know battery connections are good you are wasting time IMO,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Thanks Tom. I'm taking your advice to heart. Will post again when I have more info.

Jack

Still fighting it. Batt terms ok and tight. Exactly where are the fusable links and what do they look like. Also, how to check them and replace if necessary? Thanks to all.

Jack

The fusable link that HT referred to is right where he said. Connected to the starter. Apprx. 10ga. wire. Usually, red in color. At least before it burned.
Loren
SW WA

connected to one terminal of the solenoid (small connection) is a wire that is mostly bare. Thought perhaps that is a ground wire. To the other term of the solen are 2 red wires. inline of each wire is a black cannister looking thing about 1/2" dia and 1 1/2 in long. cannister (connector) black and round red wire coming out of each end. From the looks the black conn and the wire are formed at factory. How long are the fused links? Thanks. sorry to be such a dork.

Jack

All the smaller wires connected to the main terminal at the starter are fusible links that are main power feeds to the car. If one of them is bare, then that's the one that burned up. This is special wire that melts when overloaded and acts as a fuse. Buy a piece of fuse wire with a big eyelet on it and splice it into that wire and any others that can be stretched when pulled on.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Jack; There are no ground wires going to the solenoid. The black 'thing' you are referring to would be the downward end of the fusable link. If you 'tug' on it, it will break as HT mentioned. Be sure to repair that wire that is "mostly bare".
Be sure to replace the fusable link with fusable link wire which is available at most parts stores. Buy the correct guage.
Looking at the top of the lower left picture, that is the post that the battery terminal and the fusable link attaches to. MFG Code: ECC
Part Number: 25-1621
Description

SpecificationsThe fusable links are about 4-6'' long. You can use solderless connectors to replace it.
Loren
SW WA

Thanks guys, It is beginning to make sense. Will go to parts store tomorrow and get fusable links. As an 'old' mechanic (pre 70's,) one would think I would have run across something like this before, but didn't. Thanks again. Will post update later.

Jack

Ok fixed. was fuse wire to solenoid. Thanks again.

Jack