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O.k, I have a volt meter, and I'm about to climb around in it. I'm just wondering if anyone has been there/done that and might save me a little time by pointing me in the right direction. When I try to start my truck (80 4x4) It will crank forever and not start until I let go of the key and it returns to the run position. I can crank it forever and it won't start, but one I give up and let go of the key (like you would once it starts) it starts fine. If I just crank for a fraction of a second, it starts fine once I let go of the key. I'm assuming the problem is in the ignition switch, just wanted to know if there is anything else to check. I've had it for a few months and it just started doing this.

The previous owner (and myself) has replaced plenty of wires, and I really need to completely rewire it, the insulation is cracking everywhere. But I don't have a garage and living in WA I'm hoping it can wait until summer (it dumps rain all winter here.

Thanks,
Zym

I would tend to think it's a bad contact in the ignition switch.

1) These trucks are notorious for have problems with the ignition switch
2) The symptoms your describing would fit that problem and I can't think of anything else that would cause exactly what you describe
3) The same thing happened to my truck years ago and it was the ignition switch

But, you might want to check the plug on the ignition switch too. They like to melt if anyone overloads the ACC circuit with stereo equipment or even something in the cigarrete lighter.

im also gonna go with the ignition switch, you can bypass your switch to trouble shoot and see if that is the cause

It is the ignition bypass circuit. There is a circuit controled by a relay that effectively shorts across the coil resister and applys 12V to the coil while the starter is cranking. Its only job is for quick starting.
The circuit and it's wiring may have been messed with, disconnected, or a bad relay.

Ditto to what egg said. Check the wires to the + side of the coil. You should get 12v when the key is turned to start and somewhat less when running.

_________________
95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good