Possible Starter issue

[carlos2012]

Hello I'm new to this forum. I recently purchased a 1998 C1500 5.0 L V8 pickup and experienced something strange when I tried to start it. It started to crank and then the lights went dim and the starter dragged for a few seconds and there was a loud pop from under the hood with a little bit of smoke coming out. I let the truck sit for a few seconds and then everything went back to normal. I couldn't get it to do it again and nothing appeared to be damaged.

 

[jkeaton]

Probably backfired through the intake. You might consider giving it a full tune up.

 

[carlos2012]

I've never thought of that. Is that something that has happened with those trucks?

 

[JackE]

Does it start and run now? Or after your pop and smoke?

 

[94burbk1500]

I've never thought of that. Is that something that has happened with those trucks?

Any engine can backfire if the conditions are right. I'd agree that a tune up wouldn't hurt. Get some new plugs and wires, check your distributor cap and rotor for oxidization and corrosion, replace them if they aren't nice and clean, then see if you have any trouble.

If your starter made a popping sound then smoke, it would probably be completely shot, especially since I've never seen that happen before.

Also, check your battery, a good battery should be able to crank the engine pretty strongly, repeatedly without issue

 

[carlos2012]

Does it start and run now? Or after your pop and smoke?

Yes it starts right up now just like nothing happened my friend seems to agree that it's most likely an ignition issue.