Fried starter x2

[KYJoe]

I have a 1985 M1009 . very solid truck very basic mil spec. It was driving with no issues but now it keeps frying starters and wires that lead to the starter. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Warthog]

Do you have the support bracket installed? What type of starter? Direct Drive or Gear Reduction.

What had you changed when the issues started?

 

[KYJoe]

Haven't changed anything. The first starter was replaced by the previous owner, the one I just took off is a DB electrical 24v gear reduction starter, same used by the previous owner it started no problem for about 3 weeks before this last one went out.

 

[ralbelt]

Need to do the dog head starter relay modification. There is a sticky in the cucv forum.

 

[Recovry4x4]

What are the symptoms? How long does it take to start the truck when hot? Cold? Need more info. If it's leaking down fuel and you are leaning on it for 4 or 5 minutes, things are going to get hot. Chickens fry, starters fail. Was the last failed starter diagnosed?

 

[KYJoe]

I'll look at it. Thanks

 

[KYJoe]

Hot and cold it would start right up after the wait light goes out. No leaks that I have found. The starter is dead (tested it) and it smells burnt.

 

[Skinny]

What are the symptoms? How long does it take to start the truck when hot? Cold? Need more info. If it's leaking down fuel and you are leaning on it for 4 or 5 minutes, things are going to get hot. Chickens fry, starters fail. Was the last failed starter diagnosed?

Nonsense! You can tune a piano but you can't tune a fish...

Unless you installed two faulty starters I would do some serious voltage drop tests to see if a supply or ground cable is at fault. Anything over .1, maybe .2 volts max is suspect.

 

[rtk]

I would also go with some bad grounds , you need good grounding for everything to work properly . I would check and clean all your ground connections . Check for a good ground between the engine and the frame/firewall .

 

[KYJoe]

Okay I'll have to wait until the weekend before I can tear into it. I appreciate all the help and knowledge.

 

[KYJoe]

I went ahead and ordered A GM starter and everything I need for the doghead conversion now is just waiting for the parts to come in.

 

[Recovry4x4]

I would also consider a load test of your batteries. Low voltage = high heat.

 

[Tow4]

You can get the starter tested at an auto parts store. There is a maximum no-load current spec. If it exceeds that spec, once under load it will draw more amps than the vehicle start circuit (batteries, cables, etc.) can supply.

 

[Skinny]

Auto parts store + 24v starter = boom

Probably better off with a shop or atleast find a store with someone that has a pulse. A simple VAT40 would do the trick and most shops have one of those antiques (which still work great) to give you amperage figures. Plus it is real world in the truck data.

 

[KYJoe]

Installed the doghead relay, and the new starter. Fired right up. So far so good. Thank you all for the help and great advice it was a huge help.