Chevrolet Repair: 1997 Chevy G2500 Van died..., frequent oil changes, fusible links

Question
G2500 with 4.3L Vortec V6, mileage 167,000 well maintained, frequent oil changes.

While driving only a short distance a loud squealing noise was heard from front, then when turning around to head for home the vehicle just died - will not start, not even a click (does have battery power). All pulleys/bearings along serpentine belt turn fine and crank also turns. Smell of burnt electrical near engine. Is it possible that this has to do with the starter? ie if it seized up and jammed into the flywheel (or never disengaged)

Also how do you remove the cowling from inside the cab (over the engine) to gain access?

Answer
Hi, Well the first thing I would do is make sure that there is power to the starter. I would also check the fusible links which I think are by the battery. If one of these links burnt then you might have a no run and no crank condition.

        Let me know what you find out       Mark