Weird electrical/ ignition barrel problem?

[GRPABT1]

Hey guys I've got a problem with my sierra that is annoying me. It's a 1989 sierra with a 1988 mk1 Gti swift twin cam motor. Lately it has been temperamental in starting. Although the key will turn all the way around to start for some reason I get absolutely nothing. No accesories no headlights, nothing. Then I can try again later and it's all fine. Doesn't seem to relate to cold or hot starting either.



I have recently installed a bigger (700cca) battery and yesterday replaced the main starter wire also. Other than that I have checked all the fuses I could find and traced the wiring where I could and can't find any obvious abnormalities.


So what do you guys think it is? Could it be electrical or simply something like a worn ignition key or barrel (cause is is a fair bit worn looking)?



Thanks in advance for you input guys.

[sierrafreak]

not sure if the same culprit as different motor but i had that and my starter was knackered
Would have to keep turning key till it decided it wanted to work.
Just a thought or the barrel could be knackered my gq has that turn key full and nothing shake barrel with it turned fires up??

[mrRocky]

check all earths

[ScrawnC]

If you are still getting lights on the dash when you turn the key on then start chasing the starter. If you get no lights on when you turn the key then chase the ignition barrel.

[GRPABT1]

Yeah the starter is only a couple of weeks old so it's not that and I'm not getting any dash lights, no fuel pump nothing so I suspect the barrel.

[Adsman]

when you say no headlights. They dont require the ignition switch to be on. Do they? Sounds more like a loose battery terminal to me.