Replaced clutch master cylinder, now my truck won't start

Hello there, I'm new to the forum and had a quick question regarding my 1982 Chevy Scottsdale C-10. So, about two weeks ago, I was driving, and the clutch master cylinder took a dump on me (looks like it's the original from 1982, so who could blame it). Luckily it died right as I was pulling into my driveway. Anyway, I ordered a new clutch master cylinder, installed and bled the system, now the clutch pedal feels like it should again. However, after completing the process, when I turn the key....nothing happens. The choke light comes on, but nothing else happens. So, I'm guessing this must be some sort of electrical issue. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what would you recommend that I check? Thanks!

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

I'm wondering if the clutch petal safety switch might not be working. You should be able to jump it at the connector under the dash to check.

Hard to say what you're dealing with here. Like WFO suggests, the clutch safety switch would be the logical first step, but vhevy didnt use a hydraulic clutch until the '85 model year. So it sounds like yours has been converted. Which brings up the question, was it a manual trans to begin with? Just trying to determine what harness connections you might be dealing with.

Charlie said:

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Charlie said:

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Thanks Charlie!

WFO said:

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

I'm wondering if the clutch petal safety switch might not be working. You should be able to jump it at the connector under the dash to check.

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Sounds like a logical first step! Thanks for the suggestion.

CSFJ said:

Hard to say what you're dealing with here. Like WFO suggests, the clutch safety switch would be the logical first step, but vhevy didnt use a hydraulic clutch until the '85 model year. So it sounds like yours has been converted. Which brings up the question, was it a manual trans to begin with? Just trying to determine what harness connections you might be dealing with.

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Leave it to me to post the wrong year for the truck! LOL. This truck IS indeed actually a 1985. I said '82 because my daily driver is an '82 Mercedes 300. This is the second time I have done this lately (no wonder the auto store couldn't find my parts). Anyway, since we have established that it is from 1985, I would say that the manual transmission is factory installed. So, I guess it's safe to check the clutch safety switch. I'll try that and see what happens.

Lol, with the parts on these old truck being as interchangeable as your typical lego set, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to find an '82 that someone switched over to hydro.

CSFJ said:

Lol, with the parts on these old truck being as interchangeable as your typical lego set, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to find an '82 that someone switched over to hydro.

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Thanks for all the input guys. The problem did in fact turn out to be the clutch safety switch. Somehow the little plastic piece that affects how far the clutch pushes in on the switch had moved. So when I pushed the clutch pedal, the switch was not actually being engaged. All has been fixed, now she starts up every time (with a much stiffer clutch pedal!).