Topic: Dead 1st Gen (won't start)

[PeterPaul383]

Hey guys, so today as I was driving my 1979 Pickup home and she died on me. She started up just fine leaving work, but as I was on my way home going about 30 mph, the engine died and I was forced to pull off to the side of the road. All of the lights and everything turn on just fine, but the engine wont start again. When I turn the key, there is no click or anything. Do you guys have any ideas on why this might happen? She is a 1979 Pickup with a 22R 5-Speed (swapped).

[redneckcustoms13]

So your saying that the starter has no response to turning the ignition?
It just uo ans driving driving down the road is the weird part. Sounds like you lost ground to the engine. Possibly by some freak coincidence your distributor or coil died and when that happened you popped something in the ignition (highly unlikely) start by checking your 4 ground locations and cleaning them well. You have battery to fender, fender to frame, frame to block, head to firewall. Any of those missing or damaged and your in for a world of trouble. First as always check all fuses with an ohm meter for continuity (sometimes they can look good but not be making connection).

[PeterPaul383 [OP]]

Okay will do! I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for the help!

[jmac80]

Could the ignition switch be at play here? Seems weird it died while running, lights work fine, and starter will not turn......odd combo. I'm no expert so wait for more feedback before tearing into your column......Just guessing

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[Cheesemaker]

First I would start at the battery, check all the wires and your grounds.  Sometimes they have fusible links off the battery.  I eliminated the ones I had. 
Next work your way to the fuse block and check your relays.
Then check the wire from batt to ign, and ign to starter.

A volt ohm meter and a test light will be your best friend, along with a wiring schematic of your rig.