1962 Pickup with 401

[Ed Snyder]

I'm looking for some advice on the ex-Rick Rusconi pickup. While pulling into a parking lot the truck died. And when I say "died" I mean everything died -- no lights, no nothing. It's got a good Optima battery and new 4 gauge battery cables. Ground continuity from battery to engine and frame check out good. Got 13 volts at the battery lug on the starter. But no power anywhere beyond that. The truck still has a generator, voltage regulator on the inner fender, and an add-on MSD box next to the voltage regulator -- probably added by Rick.

Anybody out there got suggestions on what else to check?

[GMC_Dude]

Originally Posted by Ed Snyder

I'm looking for some advice on the ex-Rick Rusconi pickup. While pulling into a parking lot the truck died. And when I say "died" I mean everything died -- no lights, no nothing. It's got a good Optima battery and new 4 gauge battery cables. Ground continuity from battery to engine and frame check out good. Got 13 volts at the battery lug on the starter. But no power anywhere beyond that. The truck still has a generator, voltage regulator on the inner fender, and an add-on MSD box next to the voltage regulator -- probably added by Rick.



Anybody out there got suggestions on what else to check?

Ed, there is a connection on the firewall on the passenger side that I've seen come lose that would cause similar symptoms. You might start there.

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[FetchMeAPepsi]

Wish I could help. I'd probably start checking fuses.

[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by GMC_Dude

Ed, there is a connection on the firewall on the passenger side that I've seen come lose that would cause similar symptoms. You might start there.

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Can you be a little more specific on location? See attached photo of passenger side. There's not much there since it has the standard under-dash heater.

[Funky61]

Ed, I see a connector just behind the coil.

[Prowbar]

Originally Posted by Funky61

Ed, I see a connector just behind the coil.

Indeed. That connector supplies the dash and instrumentation with voltage: ignition switch, lights, blower motor, wipers, etc. If it comes loose then everything quits. You still should have 12V at the starter, but no signal to the starter or coil from the ignition switch.

[jbgroby]

I'd love to make the trip one day as well.

[GMC_Dude]

Ed, the connector by your coil is the one I was thinking of. Much easier to see on my truck as the inline 6 allows a better view. 20230625_071125.jpg

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[GMC_Dude]

Also, the connector doesn't fall completely apart before the symptoms appear. It might not look much different than it did before the symptoms appeared.

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[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by GMC_Dude

Also, the connector doesn't fall completely apart before the symptoms appear. It might not look much different than it did before the symptoms appeared.

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Thanks for the tips, folks. That connector looks and feels tight. I'll have to wait a while for further investigation though. My wife and I are getting ready to head to the coast for a few days to celebrate our 50th anniversary with our kids and grandkids. I'll post an update after we get back and I do some further checking.

Ed