Ground and battery issue and knock noise?

1993 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
190,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
EMONEYBAGS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The truck listed above is a c1500. I had some electrical problems, I think. Hope they're simple. I was having grounding issues and think that's fixed because my battery gauge reads 11. It was running after I did a ton of work on it, new starter, alternator, front suspension, brakes, but was having grounding issues due to putting battery behind seat while I did front suspension work, when I put it back it started and ran for a while but was losing power, and dim lights. Then started making loud knocking. I was told may be module on distributor replaced that and new cap and rotor, and wires. After no success I reset timing mark and TDC pointing rotor at number one cylinder and sounds like it wants to start but won't. I thought I had weak spark, so I replaced the coil. Now I think may have gotten wires mixed or something and can't find a diagram telling me where do + and - wires lead off battery. Also, every pic I have found of junction block, seems like mine is missing wire or is misplaced. If you could help me troubleshoot, I would be forever grateful.
May 12, 2023 at 3:43 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

When you say the battery was behind the seat, it was disconnected, correct? Or did you run extremely long cables?

Now, the idea that the gauge indicates 11v, is low. When cranking, I'm sure it drops a good bit. You need approximately 9.7v for the ignition to work correctly when cranking. Do you have that? Also, when you had the engine running, how many volts were produced by the alternator? It should have been between 13v and 15v.

Let me know.

Joe

I attached a pic below showing how the body, engine, and frame grounds are made. Confirm that is what you did.

Also, if you could, record it cranking and upload it for me to hear.

May 12, 2023 at 2:39 PM
Avatar
EMONEYBAGS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for help I had run long cables and it was running for a while and lost power slowly. Since then, think I fixed ground problems but couldn't find the diagram of grounds you sent. I installed a new coil cap and rotor and ignition module. Removed coil wire from distributor cap and checked with ignition spark tester. Didn't know how to set gap so used same as spark plug. It wasn't blue but was white. Checked battery while cranking over and got 10.6. including video of spark check off distributor. Also, I checked and have power to the red wire to coil but not white with ignition switch on but not cranking.
May 18, 2023 at 10:37 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

The spark looks strong. Is it running properly now?

Let me know.

Joe
May 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.