When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I own a 82 with a 351 5.8 with Carb, Duraspark (not sure what color, was replaced) bought from a friend sight unseen, when i picked it up was in great condition, but his dad tore apart the wiring for the starter relay, the Haynes book diagram doesn't match what I got, i got lucky and got it to run, but now here's the problem..runs for 3 to 5 minutes then dies, and starts only if it wants to..new plugs, new battery(sluggish after dying), new starter, new coil, but will run with the battery cable disconnected...my non pro diag is that the wiring is somehow not allowing the alternator to charge the battery, and run until the battery dies, but then it will turn over and over without spark until finally it wants to...any suggestions?????
Last edited by Dooky; Feb 7, 2006 at 10:18 PM.
Reason: Adding additional info
Have you tried replacing the ignition control module? If someone shorted out a couple wires while redoing the starter relay, it could have fried the ICM. A charged battery will run a truck for quite some time without the alternator. Have you tried running with jumper cables to another running vehicle? That would overcome the alternator issue entirely.
I think you might have low compression, do a compression check. I think it runs until the choke opens and then it dies. If you need a wiring diagram email me with your email address.
I think that the problem is likely the ICM, but i have no idea which is the right one to put in there, IT STARTED this morning , but who knows why?? I believe that someone has replaced the ICM with a questionable one, also I am in desperate need of the wiring diagram, but I can't send out an email until my probation period here is up..if you can send it to me at jsph4@hotmail.com
I think that the problem is likely the ICM, but i have no idea which is the right one to put in there, IT STARTED this morning , but who knows why?? I believe that someone has replaced the ICM with a questionable one, also I am in desperate need of the wiring diagram, but I can't send out an email until my probation period here is up..if you can send it to me at (Click Here to find out why email addresses are removed from posts.)