Hi group: I've got trouble starting my usually reliable diesel. The original trouble was with the start relay. Occasionally, it wouldn't turn over at all, so I checked the relay and the starter solenoid. I needed to change both, because the relay was bad and I broke the starter solenoid putting it back in. If it weren't for bad luck... Anyway, now the truck turns over every time, but really slowly, almost like the batteries were nearly dead, but they're both new. I checked the cables and they seem OK. Both batteries only drop to about 11 volts while cranking. Could this be caused by bad glow plugs? After it finally starts (it always does after about 6-9 tries) I get a puff of smoke - sometimes dark, sometimes light. Any ideas will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Mike, which starter do you have? There are 3 types you can use and your truck could use either a Delco (GM) type or a Mitsubishi. If you have the Delco you should change it. They are typicaly none to give trouble and they turn slower than the gear reduction type such as the Mitsubishi or the new style Nippondenso. I prefer the denso.

 

Before you change anything, clean your battery conections, it sounds like you are only getting power from one battery. Make sure both are fully charged and clean all conections. This is very typical on these trucks.

Dave

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Thanks for the info. I don't know which starter I've got yet, I'll be trying to take it out again tomorrow, now that the days might be less hectic for a bit.

 

Thanks Dave, I think the cables are OK, I put in the batteries in February and the 2nd one in October. I cleaned the terminals well and applied some of that anti-corrosion spray, just in case. I'll be taking a look at the starter tomorrow I think. Just to be sure, I'll take another look at the cables to.

Mike

 

Check the ground cable(s). The ground cable can corrode inside the plastic outer cover. This results in little if any resistance when the circuit is completed, i.e., turning the key to the on position.

 

Thanks for the help everybody. I got a chance to take the starter out today and look at the cables. The cables definitely need replacing, but that seems to be only part of the trouble. Somehow one of the copper plates on the commutator got a bit too hot, melted and ran over into the plate next to it. It's a Mitsubishi starter, the kind with the brushes in a container ring, and it needs a BIG soldering tool to replace the brushes, which were also pretty small. So, anyway, after I get the starter back from the shop tomorrow, I'm getting some new cables and putting the stuff back together. I'll let you know ...

Crossing my fingers,
Mike S.

 

 

Yes, double check those battery cables. I use a dingle ball hone in the drill with a SMALL amount of brake clean to do the cable ends. A fiber abrasive brush in the same drill works for the posts. It doesn't take much to make the line resistance go up. A wash down with soda & water will neutralize the acid on the battery and the surounding area. Rinse well and dry. The rubber end covers are a help to keep things clean. All should be shiney when re assembled.
PWRPROD