I'm clueless with Wiring...

[Dizz]

My 81 C10 went dead rt after my father in law was trying to tunk the starter (not sure why) now there is power to the starter which I replaced just because I had one sitting around but no where else. No lights no ignition nothing, but when I run a wire straight from the battery to the bulkhead/fire wall connector everything is back on. I know nothing about wiring so I'm lost. Has anyone dealt with this before?

 

[Ricko1966]

My 81 C10 went dead rt after my father in law was trying to tunk the starter (not sure why) now there is power to the starter which I replaced just because I had one sitting around but no where else. No lights no ignition nothing, but when I run a wire straight from the battery to the bulkhead/fire wall connector everything is back on. I know nothing about wiring so I'm lost. Has anyone dealt with this before?

WTF is tunk the starter?

 

[Dizz]

Tap the key to make the starter move but not start the truck

 

[Ricko1966]

Have you tried cleaning the battery cables? If you have the temporary bolt on replacement terminals that everybody puts on to use forever,disassemble and clean those also.

 

[Dizz]

Yes I have done this I think my issue is between the starter and then junction block

 

[fast 99]

Check for battery positive at large upper stud on starter. if thats ok, with a helper turn key to start, check small terminal closest to the block. Should have power on it with key turned. If there is power on both tests, likely starter is bad. Without vehicle in front of me make sure large negative battery cable is clean and tight where is attaches to block.

 

[Old Guy Bill]

There are electrical schematics for almost every year truck here on the Forum, most are the same in many areas.
This is a small pic of the one for an '80
It shows where the Fusible Links are in the wiring

 

[Snoots]

You've blown the Fusible Link between the starter solenoid and the firewall jumper terminl.

 

[CalSgt]

You've blown the Fusible Link between the starter solenoid and the firewall jumper terminl.

^that was my first thought too

 

[Broken85]

Or you didn’t reattach the accessory wires back on to the starter after you swapped it out. The whole truck gets power from that wire after it leaves the starter.

 

[Scott91370]

Unbolt the junction box from the fire wall and put it back together making sure it is tight.
Mine came loose and everything in the cab was dead.

 

[Snoots]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Scruffy49]

Gotta “love” fusible links… When the 85’s alternator failed, it sent such a strong surge it fried the ignition switch, fusible links AND the starter… Even the bigger wire off the alternator melted.

Start chasing wires. Something melted, should have fusible link/s at the starter harness and off the firewall “2 post with little dogbone connecting them” junction block. If you can’t see the failed one, you will feel it… Gently pull each fusible link run, the “mushy” section is your failed as it should wire. NAPA and Carquest both carry new sections to splice in.

DO NOT replace with an inline mega fuse or circuit breaker. As much as I’d prefer those, they take longer to fail, and you risk burning your truck down. That particular “fix” cost my Uncle Bob a really clean 1968 C20…