Real Time Help - 40 won't start....

[CruiserStuff]

I've been plowing snow with my stock 1976 FJ40 - everything was going fine (15 hours straight of plowing). I stopped the truck for a moment and when I went to start it again, nothing but "ga-gunk." Fortunately, I borrowed a battery, it fired up and I went and bought a new, Exide battery and put in a new (rebuilt) alternator while I was at it.

All was good for about a week when the same thing happened. I pulled the alternator and had it bench tested (good) and had the battery charged (full 770 cold cranking amps). Put it back together and nothing....

Pulled the starter out and had it bench tested...sounded weak and the solenoid was bad...ordered a rebuilt unit, put it in and nothing.

While waiting for the starter to come in, I cleaned up all the connections and grounds and everything is nice and tight.

With the old starter, at least I got a "ga-gunk" letting me know juice was getting to the starter. With the new one, I don't get anything, not even the "ga-gunk."

I just picked up a remote start button and I'll try it tonight...does anyone else have any suggestions? Could it be a bad ignition switch? I get fan, wipers, turns, etc, in the first two clicks of the key when I turn it, but absolutely nothing in the spring-loaded position.

Any help is greatly appreciated.....

 

[Michael Hanson]

Have you slammed into enough snow to change the timing?

 

[crotalusatrox]

gas gauge work ok? (15 straight hours of plowing)

 

[CruiserStuff]

I'm pretty gentle with my rig - "slamming" is not an option. Technique beats out horsepower most times, I've found. So I really don't think this is a timing issue. Thanks, though!

 

[CruiserStuff]

Yes, there's gas in it. I think this is an electrical problem....

 

[Michael Hanson]

Coil?

 

[Michael Hanson]

voltage regulator?

 

[CruiserStuff]

Is there a test I can run to see if it is the coil or the voltage regulator?

 

[Michael Hanson]

Take it to Sears. They should do it free. Im thinking voltage regulator but Ive been wrong before.Sounds like you have checked everthing else. Mike

 

[CruiserStuff]

Thanks Mike. Unfortunately, no Sears nearby, but I'm sure the local auto parts store could. Thanks for your time and input!

 

[Michael Hanson]

Put ohm meter on coil two outside leads pos and neg. resistance0.5-0.7. Next hook up pos. andmiddle terminal resistance should be 11.5-15.5. Mike

 

[Michael Hanson]

Could also be the coil wire,put on a new spark plug wire to the coil and see what happens. Mike

 

[CruiserStuff]

Awesome - I'll give those things a try.....

 

[65swb45]

Use a voltmeter to see if there is voltage coming to the starter solenoid with the key in the START position. Of course, unless you're VERY flexible, you'll need two people to do this.

Best

Mark A.

 

[Vicm]

Use a voltmeter to see if there is voltage coming to the starter solenoid with the key in the START position. Of course, unless you're VERY flexible, you'll need two people to do this.

Best

Mark A.

X2,
You have to get the starter to crank before you move on to the coil and other ignition parts.

 

[Vicm]

I'm pretty gentle with my rig - "slamming" is not an option. Technique beats out horsepower most times, I've found. So I really don't think this is a timing issue. Thanks, though!

X2,Technique beats out horsepower

 

[Michael Hanson]

True, try a new coil wire first.

 

[CruiserStuff]

Mark A - Thanks for the tip - I'll give it a try. And, by the way, the carb you rebuilt for me is "like butter." You are the master! I bought a remote start button and put it on the starter last night. I get juice (the "ga-gunk" sound), but it still won't crank....since it is a brand new rebuilt starter, I'm wondering if the problem is more serious (something seized perhaps?).

Vicm - I see so many plows bashing into snow berms and spinning tires with chains on that it makes me want to scream. Some people have no clue about approach angles, taking it down in levels, etc. Oh well, you can't buy experience, but stupidity is free!

Mike - I tried the coil wire off of my '78 FJ40 and still nothing (I even swapped the voltage regulators also and nothing).

 

[FJ40 TOOLMAN]

Battery cables ???

 

[CruiserStuff]

I've double and triple checked cables, connections and grounds... Gotta get this rig running before the next snow flies....fortunately, the forecast is for sunny skies for a while!