Rep Power: 308

Well guys my dad (who is borrowing my truck) has just informed me that it’s sitting at a Burger King and won’t start.
He said the lights are working fine, and trying to Jump Start it had no effect.
So I’m thinking it is NOT the battery or the alternator.
This is a 1987 Chevy S-10 6 cylinder by the way.
I’m not going to have a chance to go look at it until probably this weekend.
But I’m trying to get a handle on what could possibly be wrong with it.
I’m thinking it could be the starter.

Are there any other possibilities??
Also, When I go out there, are there tests I can perform to verify that it is the starter, or perhaps another part.
Or are there questions that you would have that I should go check out, before I can take a Guess on what is wrong??

All suggestions and input is appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 340

Does the motor rotate if it does then its not the starter..
If it does not rotate then its the starter or the selenoid on the starter that is the problem..

If it rotates but still doesn't start then it is an ignition coil that gives oof the spark to the spark plugs...

To check this take out a spark plus and stick it in the spark plug wire then let it rest on the front radiator mount and with someone in the truck crank it over and check for a spark on the plug ..if there is a sparkl then its not a coil...

if there is a spark then its a fuel problem and most likely a faulty fuel pump...

let me know which one it is...

 
Rep Power: 308

Viper, What do you mean if the "engine rotates"????
What is the difference between the engine Starting and rotating..
I thought when they engine started to rotate it was starting. ??

From what I gathered from good ole pops... the engine wasn't cranking. Kinda like you turn the key and NOTHING happens..
Does that verify that it is the Starter or the Starter Selonoid???

 
Rep Power: 308

OKAY ... I talked to my dad, he was able to get a couple guys to push him, and he was able to pop the clutch.... doesn't that mean it's the starter or the starter selonoid ???

 
Rep Power: 314

Check for any type of netural switch, check computer ground. If ok, disconnect battery, wait for a few minutes,and reconnect. Some cars have weird safety switches on em! Good luck.

 
Rep Power: 310

If the truck will run after popping the clutch, then its not a fuel problem. It could be that the starter or starter solenoid is bad, or even the battery itself. Find out it it only clicks when you try to start it.

 
Rep Power: 308

It's an 1987 Chevy S-10... I really don't think it has a netural switch.
But I will Try reseting the ECU though.... TY

I think the battery is fine becuase the Jump Start had no effect on it, and becuase you can run all the assoceries.

So this Narrows things down to Either the Starter or the Starter Solenoid right???

Is there anything else it could be??
Is there anyway to test between the starter and the starter solenoid??

Thanks Guys

 
Rep Power: 340

I really think its a starter or selenoid problem and nothing esle..

If it started by popping the clutch and runs fine then take the starter off and get another one..Its an 87 and its something that usually goes bad on chevys

 
Rep Power: 0

ditto. Like flotsamm says, do you hear a click when you start it?

Able to run your accessories does not mean your battery is not the culprit. You may have a poor connection at the battery or the battery itself is starting to fail. Cranking up your engine requires a huge load from the battery at the start.

Disconnect the positive and negtive terminals and use a wire brush to remove any corroded film and reconnect the wires.

 
Rep Power: 310

Well if you think the battery is fine, then tell us if its clicks or not. To test the starter and solenoid, you really have to take it off the vehicle. Then using jumper cables connected to your vehicle battery, ground the negative to the starter housing and then touch the solenoid positive terminal just briefly enough to see if the solenoid engages and the start spins. Or, to be on the safe side just take the starter to a local parts store and have them test it for you.

Also, it could be your battery cables.. something else you should inspect.

 
Rep Power: 308

Guys, I'm going to find out if there is a clicking noise or not, It's at my Dad's house right now. A new Starter is $57. So like you guys are saying, I might as well replace it. It's getting pretty old. But I love that truck, I bought it for $610 off of Ebay, I only had to put two new front Struts on it to get it through inspections. And this is the first problem that it's had and my Dad has been driving it for 6 months now, while he is trying to get his car fixed, so it's been a real blessing. I'd still like to have it back though >=(

Anyway, I'd really like to say Thank You to everyone who's helping me out, I can hardly believe there are 10 post and not one person has made some smart comment about my Chevy. You guys are a real decent bunch.

I'll post up about the clicking ASAP

 
Rep Power: 0

I took my starter to Autozone and had it tested and they said it was fine. I couldn't figure it out so I replaced the starter anyways. Guess what, problem gone. I'm betting the starter. Here is a better forum for your question.

 
Rep Power: 0

i had one do that and it was the ignitoin control modual

 
Rep Power: 308

Thanks Darius for the S10 forum, glad to see they have a nice organized one like this.

UPDATE
when you turn the key it does not click...
So I think That means that the Starter Seloniod is not getting power, It's raining now, but i'm going to try to clean up the battery and the neg ground wire,
I bought a rebuilt starter from Salvo Auto parts, and when it's nicer out, I'm going to try to replace it.

thanks again everyone

 
Rep Power: 308

I GOT MY TRUCK RUNNING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone for responding and helping me out.

I went out there after it was raining, didn't want to install the starter, cuase the ground was all wet, but I took the battery out and cleaned up all the terminals and connections, and it started right up!!!!

Odd thing was it looks like stock it has two grounds, one big one goes to the engine block, and one little one right behind the battery to the front of the truck behind the headlight.
Then I guess the guy installed a third ground to the wheel well. I know he had a sound system in it b4, with an amp and a sub, I think that may have been why. But I took that ground completely off.

Thanks Again!