M1028 checking in

[icu_runnin]

Hey all just wanted to say whats up and let you know I am the proud owner of a 86 M1028. It has 55k on it and came with 37" Procomp Xterrains XTC (Xtreme Compund) on 17" wheels. It is all stock outside of the tires and some slight trimming. The guy I bought it from ($2800 - good or bad) was using it as his daily driver and took good care of it. The only problem I have with it is that it has been running and driving fine for the past 4-5 days I have had it. I went to park it and run into the parts store and when I tried starting it the starter just kept turning and it wouldnt start. I pulled the key out and popped the hood and it continued to try and start and wouldnt stop. next thing I know wires started melting and catching on fire. The front battery ground terminal melted off and thats when it finally stopped. I couldnt figure out what the heck happened but as soon as I hooked the ground up it started doing the same thing. So I towed it home and started the 12 volt conversion and said the hell with trying to find a 24 volt starter (starter died after this) so now that everything is completed wiring wise I just need to buy the 12 started and see what she does. I hope everything works like it should and I can drive it again . I know its one heck of an intro but hello again and look forward to getting to know some of you guys.

 

[ojsdna744]

Check starter relay, common failure on these. Too bad about the starter. I've heard of people having them rebuilt instead of paying the long dollar to replace them. However, if you're now all converted over, just buy a new starter and ! You might also consider just buying a new starter relay while you're there @ the auto parts store. My M1009 was converted to 12V when I bought it and I've been having a blast driving it!! Welcome!!

 

[mangus580]

www.odiron.com for the parts you might need.

and OJ is right. That starter relay likes to stick. get a new one!

 

[icu_runnin]

But would the starter relay cause it to start melting wires?? Thanks for the welcome!

 

[gimpyrobb]

If the relay sticks and lets current keep flowing to the starter, yes, it will fry the wires.

 

[ojsdna744]

But would the starter relay cause it to start melting wires?? Thanks for the welcome!

Yep, the constant high loading can melt the wires.

Edit: Doh!! Better to get too many answers than none at all!!

 

[mangus580]

Yes, what happens, is the relay sticks... forcing the starter to run forever. This overheates the wires, and starts them to melt.

The relay's sole purpose, is to take the 12v wire that the ignition switch uses for 'start' and uses it to switch 24v feeding the starter.

 

[icu_runnin]

Well I guess that would have been the cause for the small fire it started when it happened Do most part stores carry them in stock?

 

[mangus580]

They do, do a search for 'starter relay' and you should find hte part #'s

 

[ken]

The GM # for the started relay is 15591718. Your GM dealer can get it or your auto parts store can cross reference it to something else.

 

[icu_runnin]

Thanks everyone!! I will be going to the parts store and buying my 12 volt starter and trying to find a relay.

 

[ida34]

If he is changing over to a 12 volt system why not just wire the relay out of the system. If it is all 12 volt now then it would not be needed. Anyone done this before?

 

[icu_runnin]

I thought the same thing. Why not just hook it up to the ignition switch since it doesnt pull a ton of current to activate the starter solenoid.

 

[JB]

I have heard of this starter sticking problem before but luckily it has not happened to me yet. (crossing fingers) What do you guys suggest doing if it does? Pull battery cables?

 

[mangus580]

It could be done... but, leaving the relay as is, you could keep the truck relativly easy to swap back to 24v for a 'future' need...

 

[ultim8gamr]

I have heard of this starter sticking problem before but luckily it has not happened to me yet. (crossing fingers) What do you guys suggest doing if it does? Pull battery cables?

Had it happen on a friend's truck. we just pulled the wires and it didnt do too much damage, i have also been told to hit the started with something (hammer, rock, stick) anything to knock the relay a bit

 

[mangus580]

The relay that causes this is not on the starter, its under the dash.

 

[icu_runnin]

Well if I am not worried about going back to 24 volt (which I am not) I could just bypass the relay right??

 

[mangus580]

You could, but it would be easier to just plug a new relay in. Besides, without the 24v load, the relay will last forever most likely.

 

[Armada]

Here is my , some more relay info for you.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=12032

A good idea when getting a 'new' cucv is to change the relay right off the bat. It's good PM and can save a lot of grief in the future.