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Posted By: GreatWhiteEconolineE350 1982 E350 no start - March 19th 2020 9:03 pm
Went to start up my newly acquired E350 today and it won't start. I turned on the headlights, they do not come on. Dome light not coming on as well. I installed the new starter that came with it, and the battery I bought for it is good, had it tested today. It seems like it is not getting power somewhere, what /where should I be checking?
Posted By: Death or victory Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 19th 2020 11:15 pm
Check your battery cables first. Nothing will work if either of them are fubar’d. Many times it’s a loose ground. If not, move next to fuses. Probably something simple though.
Posted By: frscke1 Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 20th 2020 12:52 am
Corroded cables or ends
Posted By: GreatWhiteEconolineE350 Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 20th 2020 12:53 am
That's what I'm thinking as the battery I bought for it was 6 months old, and the cable ends are tight on the posts.(posts are very clean) Guess I'll break out the test light and see what's up
Posted By: GreatWhiteEconolineE350 Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 22nd 2020 1:48 am
Was looking at wiring under the hood today, saw a fusible link (orange wire) that has a "bump" in the insulation. Is it blown?

Attached picture 90562910_10163704411210019_1004503875991896064_o.jpg
Posted By: Death or victory Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 22nd 2020 3:14 am
Maybe? Looks kinked altogether.
Posted By: GreatWhiteEconolineE350 Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 22nd 2020 11:45 am
That's what I'm wondering, but not sure
Posted By: GreatWhiteEconolineE350 Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 24th 2020 12:17 am
Okay a little update: I swapped starter relays, still no headlights/dome lights and nothing at the key. BUT I can now jump across the relay posts and get it to crank over. Also observed no ground wire running from the neg terminal to body and none from the engine to the frame rail
Posted By: Death or victory Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 24th 2020 12:40 am
Is there a ground from battery to engine atleast? I would def try and add those you mentioned if you aren’t getting proper ground. Make sure the ends connecting to engine , etc are in good shape
Posted By: GreatWhiteEconolineE350 Re: 1982 E350 no start - March 24th 2020 1:51 am
Originally Posted by Deathorvictory
Is there a ground from battery to engine atleast? I would def try and add those you mentioned if you aren’t getting proper ground. Make sure the ends connecting to engine , etc are in good shape


The only one I see is the one from the battery to the engine block. I'm wondering if the ignition switch has taken a dump
Posted By: GreatWhiteEconolineE350 Re: 1982 E350 no start - April 02nd 2020 12:19 am
Well after a week I got it solved, previous owner had a fuse link wire on the wrong side of the starter relay, I put it on the correct side and I now have power throughout, and it will now crank with the key. Next is put gas in it then get it running
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