jj1998

Quick background,

Before the no start problem, I had replaced the serpentine belt, alternator, heater core, exhaust manifolds, egr line, air intake filter, spark plugs, spark plug cables to the ignition coil, oxygen sensors, oil change and filter.

I had some issues with the engine running lean, but once I had replaced the exhaust manifold, egr line, and oxygen sensors, this problem went away.

The real issue comes about 45 minutes after I finished replacing the three things above. I test drove the truck for about 45 minutes without issues. Decided to head home, got about 5 minutes away from my place and the truck dash lit up and the truck lost all power, had to roll into a parking lot and find a tow.

Once this occurred, I had bought a new battery, and did some research. Found that my ignition starter fuse had blown, this explains why the truck shut off I believe. Tried replacing the fuse, it blew again once I tried starting the truck. I let the truck sit for a month because I didn't have time to work on it. finally got back to it, replaced the fuse, and I could get the starter to crank, but couldn't get the truck to turn over and start. I thought it could be an electrical issue (obviously), but decided against doing anything electrical, instead (What I believe to be a mistake) I decided to see if my fuel injectors were the problem. Currently, my fuel rail, injectors, upper intake manifold, and various other components are off the truck. I have yet to get the vehicle started.

I am not a well versed mechanic by any means, and I have done all of the work on my truck based on YouTube and the research I've done. I have an appointment to take the truck in on Monday next week, but if I can figure out the issue before then, I would much rather save the money on labor costs.

My question is, where did I go wrong, and what should I do moving forward?

Thanks guys!

michaelholt

What's significant to me is that you found a blown fuse, replaced it, and it blew again. Do you remember the number on the fuse or what it controlled? I would most certainly be looking at all electrical. Before using wire diagrams, scopes, test light, etc., go over all the wiring looking for obvious breaks or burns. Find out why that fuse is blowing.

Since this happened after all of that work, my first thought would be that wires had touched something that had gotten hot and burned through causing a short. Look closely around any piece that you touched that might have wiring near it looking for burns/breaks.

If it's not easily found then time to break out all the electrical diagnostic equipment. Gotta find out why a fuse is getting blown.

manicmechanic007

You say you are not well versed as a mechanic
You are about to learn new words
Get yourself an EVTM for your truck and chase down that fuse circuit with a DVOM
Disconnect the battery when doing resistance checks to save your meter
Code check first, buy yourself a scanner
Your problem may be as simple as an alternator meltdown
I am wondering why you tore the truck apart? Fuel rail out?

ProjectSHO89

Go look for damaged or pinched wiring from your recent foray into the exhaust project. I'd wager that either something is pinched or you have something laying against the hot exhaust getting melted and shorted out.

Put them back on, they are unlikely to cause the stated symptoms.