Electrical gurus please jump in
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,703
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Electrical gurus please jump in
I'll strat by pointing out that I'm terrible with electrical problems. I know the basics, but only just so please feel free to make comments as simple as possible.
I put my new 400 in about a month or so ago. It started up fine, but had an oil leak at the rear main seal (still does) so I stopped the engine about a quarter of the way through the cam break in. I did a bunch of looking around to try to isolate the leak and got several sparks along the way. Started once more and then completely died. It now won't turn over at all.
Here's what I've tested:
Power at batery (12.4 V)
Power at starter (12.4 V)
No power at the alternator positive, ignition on or off
No power at the junction block positive leading to the alternator, ignition on or off
No power to the distributor, ignition on or off.
I've ordered a new engine wiring harness as I know that the wiring is a mess but I'd love to finish the cam break in and fix the oil leak while I'm waiting.
Where should I be looking for the short/burned fuse or fusible link?
Do I also have to replace the headlight harness to replace the wires to the alternator?
Suggestions welcome.
I put my new 400 in about a month or so ago. It started up fine, but had an oil leak at the rear main seal (still does) so I stopped the engine about a quarter of the way through the cam break in. I did a bunch of looking around to try to isolate the leak and got several sparks along the way. Started once more and then completely died. It now won't turn over at all.
Here's what I've tested:
Power at batery (12.4 V)
Power at starter (12.4 V)
No power at the alternator positive, ignition on or off
No power at the junction block positive leading to the alternator, ignition on or off
No power to the distributor, ignition on or off.
I've ordered a new engine wiring harness as I know that the wiring is a mess but I'd love to finish the cam break in and fix the oil leak while I'm waiting.
Where should I be looking for the short/burned fuse or fusible link?
Do I also have to replace the headlight harness to replace the wires to the alternator?
Suggestions welcome.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I think that is the most liikely situation. If the fusible link is "fried", you need to find the short that caused it before you repair it. I'm guessing that something around the starter (12v.) made contact with ground, so look for possible areas of contact. Or you got a "hot" wire switched with something else. Look for blackened/burnt insulation on a power wire; that will be the damaged fusible link. Use your AIM electrical schematic (or GM Service Manual) to chase out the "culprit".
