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Topic: Engine will not turn over (Read 532 times) previous topic - next topic
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Engine will not turn over
1990 Chevy G30 5.7l TBI

Batt reading when engine is running = 14.63
Ignition off = 12.74
Ignition on = 12.24
Connectors to Starter Motor are good and starter motor known to be good as of 2 1/2 weeks ago. Alternater tests good as of 2 1/2 weeks ago. Nothing happens when attempting to start. Makes feeble initial attempt for maybe a second and then nothing.
(I hope this is enough info as I am known to not give enough info and this not deliberately).
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #1
Suspect a weak starting battery. A half volt drop, with just the ignition on, seems to be excessive.
If you have long enough jumper cables, attemp to jump start it from the coach battery or anther vehicle.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #2
Suspect a weak starting battery. A half volt drop, with just the ignition on, seems to be excessive.
If you have long enough jumper cables, attemp to jump start it from the coach battery or anther vehicle.

Larry

Have been using my NOCO GB70 to start. Time for a new batt Larry?
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #3
Check voltage directly on the battery terminals WHILE starter engaged. Do same test with probes on battery connectors. if first reading is 11.5V or above, and second reading much lower, then clean terminals and connectors.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #4
Mindispower, weren't you asking for battery recommendations a couple days ago?
It is my understanding that voltage alone does not indicate a battery's condition. Perhaps a visit to an autoparts store that offers free battery testing will answer your questions?

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #5
"Perhaps a visit to an autoparts store that offers free battery testing will answer your questions?"

Steve

Tell me how that is to be done if she can't get the engine started?   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #6
Problem resolved via new battery. I also installed a kill switch. Thanks everyone.
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #7
"I also installed a kill switch."

Would you care to share an explanation of your work, what, where, how???   :(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #8
"Perhaps a visit to an autoparts store that offers free battery testing will answer your questions?"

Steve

Tell me how that is to be done if she can't get the engine started?   ::)

Well Steve, she/he stated they had been using a battery jump starter to get it running and posted running engine voltage. From my experience, you drive it afterward.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #9
"I also installed a kill switch."

Would you care to share an explanation of your work, what, where, how???   :(

I have a pic but don't know how to add it to this response.


LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.


Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #11
Mindispower, I had a Chevy van with the same engine. Here’s my experience:

Engine cranks and starts - Oh happy day!

Engine very slowly cranks but still starts - Still happy but time to check strength of battery and make sure all connections are good.

Only hear clicking noise from starter solenoid - battery so low it can only engage solenoid but not enough reserve to turn the starter.

No noise from starter or starter solenoid but battery shows good voltage level - smack the starter with a hammer to free it up.
Steve
2003TK

Engine will not turn over II- Kill switch installed
Reply #12
Got a new batt and installed the switch.
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #13
One other experience, on one occasion the van was pretty lifeless but battery voltage was good. I brought the van back to life by unplugging the main fuse box from the firewall and plugging it back in. It worked fine after that. The unplugging and plugging back in created enough contact cleaning to clear up an intermittent contact issue.
Steve
2003TK

Re: Engine will not turn over
Reply #14
"No noise from starter or starter solenoid but battery shows good voltage level - smack the starter with a hammer to free it up."

Right out of the days when I was learning to drive in a '31 Model 'A' Ford Roadster! The rotor on the starter motor has a tendency to form varnish on the surfaces. By whacking it you move that rotor just enough to make electrical contact and away she goes!

Thanks for the reminder!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Engine will not turn over II- Kill switch installed
Reply #15
"...and installed the switch."

Not too subtle but VERY practical!   :o   ;) 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!


 
Re: Engine will not turn over II- Kill switch installed
Reply #17
No trouble with over-engineering.
If anything goes wrong with it, not too many parts to troubleshoot.  :)
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE