No crank or start after sitting for two years?

Tiny
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 1983 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 61,000 MILES
Put a rear outer tire on and new battery. When turning the key. No crank nor clicking. Turned on the lights, just the running lights. No low beams or high beams. Could it be the starter? It did start and run but that was two years. Trying to get it out of the storage yard and clean it up to sell.
Friday, July 19th, 2024 AT 5:46 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,217 POSTS
Yes, it could be the starter, but I would check the main power leads coming off of the battery it sounds like one of them is corroded. Also check the fuses as well. To check if the problem is the starter, I would use a test light when the key is in the crank position to see if there is power. Here is a guide to help and the starter wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

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Friday, July 19th, 2024 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
AZDANNO04
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  • 343 POSTS
Do you have a layout or diagram of the fuses?
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Friday, July 19th, 2024 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 343 POSTS
Also need to drop the fuel tanks to clean or have them replaced?
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Friday, July 19th, 2024 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 343 POSTS
What type of antifreeze do I use?
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Friday, July 19th, 2024 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,217 POSTS
Sorry we don't have the fuse layout; I would drop the tanks and flush them out and let them dry completely. You can use any kind of antifreeze you want, prestone is good stuff.
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Saturday, July 20th, 2024 AT 10:04 AM

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