Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Engine won't run

OK, this is the first winter I had my truck and it has been very cold yesterday and especially today where we had snow here in NY. My truck wouldn't run, it would start and that was it. I put in the clutch, start it....it runs for a few seconds until I let the clutch out and it stops like if it was in gear, but it isn't. The choke isn't stuck, it just has been acting up like that the last couple days, but it wouldn't give me anything today. I don't want to hold the clutch in because I think it could burn out, so after a few seconds of it idling fine, I go to let the clutch out and it stops. I don't know what it is HELP PLEASE!!!

John,

Others may know exactly what the problem is, but I can offer you a starting point in the meantime. Try this.

Do everything as you have to get it running. Start the truck with the clutch in and let it run for at least 60 seconds. With the truck in neutral there should be no significant wear on the clutch, even with the pedal engaged. After a minute or so the engine should be at a level where it can easily spin the weight of the heavy flywheel and clutch assembly in very cold weather. Slowly back out of the clutch and see what happens.

If the truck runs for 60 seconds then I expect it to continue running after you release the clutch. If not then repeat this a couple of more times to confirm the clutch/engine dying connection. If you confirm this then, honestly, I'm clueless. I'll check my own truck as the temp dropped (officially) down to 16 degrees last night here in suburban Atlanta GA.

You'll want to check the condition of your fuel lines, fuel pump and filter. Even if they're not related to this problem they could be problematic in the near future with a sudden huge drop in temp as you've experienced.

-magic mike-

THANKS!!! I'm gonna go try that right now. Gotta love these old rigs

Well it would run for as long as I would keep the clutch it. It runs good too that way so I doubt there is anything wrong with the fuel lines, but as soon as the clutch comes out, it STOPS!?!?!
I am just gonna blame the cold I think, but if anyone else does think it is something serious, let me know please, any help is thanked in advance.

Does it run down to a stop or does it stop abruptly as it would if you let out the clutch with the transmission in gear and foot on brake? Can you move the truck by hand in neutral? What happens if you hold the RPM at >1500 while releasing the clutch?

Yeah, it stops abruptly as if it was in gear and my foot was on the brake. It even stops abruptly when I'm giving it a little gas nice and steady like that probably around 1500 and then I let the clutch out and it does the same thing. I didn't try pushing it in neutral though. It is just like it is in gear though and it isn't.

Dear John;

If the truck does the same thing (or trys to move) with the transmission in neutral you may have gotten in two gears at once.

To check; shift lever in neutral & look the shifter on the column under the hood. The levers should be even.

If not lift the one that's not.

Good luck, John M.....

John,

This dialogue is helping me understand the problem now. What type of transmission do you have (top loaded 4 speed? 3 speed with side linkages?)? The trans could either be stuck in 2 gears (as John M. said) or the trans could have some broken pieces locking it in place.

Either case is going to require tearing into the transmission case.

-magic mike-

UH-OH! I have the four on the floor SM465.

John,

Have you tried cranking it without your foot on the clutch? Just curious.

-magic mike-

No, even when it is in neutral, I still always put the clutch in. You think that would make a difference if I tried without the clutch?

I'm not aware of the clutch having to be in while starting if the transmission is in neutral. I've never had to press in the clutch and hold it to start my truck. And it has a 292/4-speed combo (albeit a different 4 speed from yours).

If you can put your truck in neutral you should be able to start it without your foot on the clutch pedal. Be very careful though. I have the feeling that your truck may jump forward (or backward if stuck in reverse).

At least it will help in the process of elimination.

-magic mike-

That's why I suggested seeing if it could be moved by hand in neutral.

Dear John;

Okay; Some models of GM trucks have a "safety" switch requiring the clutch pedal to be depresed for the starter to engage.

Here's how to tell; Start engine shift to neutral & let the clutch pedal out. It should idle/stay runing. If it tries to go it's in that gear instead of neutral.

Now; assuming you haven't blown the tranny, sometimes you can shift into the gear It's in & then back to neutral to "free things up".

If your trans is the one with the 'granny' low, you'll have to pull the top cover to get in neutral.

Worn parts in the top shifter is your trouble.

Good luck,John M........

Just some 2cents here for testing also. Jack the back of the truck up Put it on Jack stands. So that there is no load to the rear tires. Start you truck as Norm. let it get warmed up 60sec or what ever. slowly let the clutch out. If the motor doen't die and the tires start to spin Def. a Tranny Issue.Or block the tires and Take the drive shaft off. But better to put it on jack stands This way you can tell if the rear/tranny is in gear. Also If it does die and the tires do not Move You can very well be in two gears at once.

a littl more food for thought. NO issues when it was warm out?? What weight Gear lube you running. Can you get it in doors out of the cold and warm the Tranny fluid.I used to live in Buffalo Ny. one would be surprized what that cold will do to Gear Lube(Old and Thick stuff)I once had a Old dodge I had to drain the Oil every nite and take it indoors to keep it warm Then add it back in every morning Other wise the dang Thing would Never start even with 30weight Go figure That 1 LOL. I know dumb as all get out But Thats just the way that thing was.( i even used to cover it with a blanket and a Light bulb for heat)Boy was i glad to get rid of that thing. come tax time Been a Chevy man ever since then. glad i only gave 50.oo buck for the dodge Yeah it was my first car.LOL And been Nothing but Novas there after. Ok maybe a truck or Van or two But gota have something to tow with LOL.
but anyway just my 2cents good luck let us know what you find out.}[oooooo]

Ok, thanks for all the input. Today is a new day to try out all these things and see whats up, it is supposed to be a little warmer today than the couple days past. I HOPE it is just "old cold" truck problems, lol. Thanks.

Rear brakes frozen? Will the truck roll in neutral? Brian

So, what happened?

SM420/465's are notorious for filling up with rain water from it leaking down the back of the bellhousing. I would be willing to bet your transmission filled up with water and froze. Drain it and refill it with fresh 90 wt gear oil and you should be fine.

If you need to thaw it get a 500W halogen work light and point it at it for a few hours.

Dear John;

Okay; If the trans is full of water you can check by heating it as suggested.

Next remove the fill plug & see if over full. If it is; replace the fill plug & remove the drain plug allowing the water to run out till only the oil drains. Replace the drain plug & see if It's at the normal level.

If so; "fire it up" and see if it drives.

If it does, problem solved. All you need is to drive it a bit & change the trans oil (warm-both plugs out) with new as suggested.

Good luck John M.......

PS: Be sure both plugs are in tight before driving.

Hope everyone's holiday was good. I was gone for a few days and decided to leave it alone for a bit. When I got back now and was gonna try messing with it again...it started right up and stayed running!!! I DON'T KNOW?!?!?! Thanks for all your help and suggestions. Maybe it needed a break :rolleyes: wierdest thing ever with this rig.

Dear John;

I would check the transmission oil, just to be sure.

What if It's mixed/full with water as sugested?

JM......

Yeah, good call. It did worry me a bit and I don't want to hurt anything so a little preventive work is a good idea. thanks