93 chevy dually diesel starting problems

[jagtech]

First off thanks guys for the help I'm a newbie here. LOL I'm a Juager tech but have no clue about chevys or their wiring systems. So i have came to the experts (you guys) for some help. I have a 93 chevy 3500 dually that is having starting issues. We have put on 2 starters and about 4 sets (2 at a time) batteries. Sometimes the truck will start fine sometimes it will not spin over. The batteries are at the correct voltage so I ruled them out of the equation. The starter is new so it is ruled out also. All my wires are correct and secured to the solenoid and starter. When the truck will not start and you hit the key all the lights in the dash will go out as if the batteries are dead. I have tried everything even jumped the clutch switch I can pull the truck off and it will start everytime. If anyone have any ideas or question please give me some advise Again Thanks

[crabtruck]

Welcome to the forum jagtech.

Since there is no direct connection between starter circuit and dash lights,
having the dash lights crash means the system voltage is crashed.
Only reason I can see for that is starter wants to turn but can't.
If you are confident that you have good right starters, it's eng.
Beyond me what's doing it though. Maybe notice pattern to engine
position when it's doing the froze thing ?
There are deisel guys here.

[gmctrucks]

Welcome to the forum and howdy from TEXAS. I know that diesel engines take HD starters are you sure that you have that type? Now some weeks back I was having problems with my starter but I knew it was the solenoid because it happened only when my truck was hot but it had warranty so I got a brand new one instead of a rebuilt one now the rebuilt starter wasn't even a month old and it shelled out that's why I went with a brand new one not rebuilt. Also did you put back the heat shield that should be on the starter? Now when my starter was out I was thinking of running a wire to a push button starter button just to make sure if my wire was good or if it would to ever go out I could by-pass it maybe you should check your wiring or do what I wanted to do it's super easy to do. OK I just re-read your post how about it being the starter switch that's on the column right above the brake pedal now that would cause weird things to happen. I would also check to see if you have good grounds or any corrosion in the cables.
Good luck! GMC
78 79 80 81 82 Chevy Truck Ignition Starter Switch New:eBay Motors (item 310166277916 end time Oct-03-09 21:21:18 PDT) Now this is the type of switch im talking about your truck should have one my 1993 GMC trucks already went out once. Say let us know what goes please don't leave us hanging. I had written above to make sure that you have the right starter you might call another parts store just to make sure that the starter number on your receipt is the right one some of these parts guys don't know what there doing sometimes.......

[BernieB]

Standard troubleshooting here... First, what's the battery voltage like when it won't start? Second, will it start with a boost (connected properly to the driver's side battery and ground)?

If the answer to the first question is "low" then find out what's killing the battery. (Most likely culprits are the glovebox light or underhood light)

If the answer to the first question is "good" and the second question is "yes", then find out where the bad ground is, because the only difference between starting it from its own batteries, and starting from a jump is that when you jump it you're grounding to the frame or block, so the problem is likely in the ground from the batteries.

If the answer to the first question is "good" and the second question is "no", then you're dealing with either the wrong starter (needs a high torque unit) or you're trying to start it while the glow plugs are still on.

All basic automotive electrical stuff (except for the bit about the glow plugs) but hey, you're a tech, so you know this stuff, right?

[leolkfrm]

I think I would replace all the battery cables and clean all mounting points, as something is breaking down from age

[gmctrucks]

Say what about I wrote am I way off with the starter switch?

[BernieB]

Originally Posted by gmctrucks

Say what about I wrote am I way off with the starter switch?

I won't say you're wrong GMC, just that it's pretty unlikely. The ignition switch itself doesn't carry high current. Instead, it controls the relays that do control the high current. A good example is the starter solenoid, which controls the high current needed for the starter motor, but which itself is controlled by the ignition switch. The ignition switch sends current to the coil inside the solenoid, which only needs an amp or two, and which then energizes, making the contacts come together and completing the circuit for the motor in the starter (and the Bendix gear).

[gmctrucks]

Bernie im telling you the same thing has happen to me sometimes it would start or turn the engine other times it wouldn't do nothing. I say it wouldn't matter if it doesn't carry that much amps that's where it gets the first signal also the guy wrote it doesn't do nothing that's why I was thinking it might be a faulty switch. Just my two cents.

[BernieB]

Originally Posted by gmctrucks

Bernie im telling you the same thing has happen to me sometimes it would start or turn the engine other times it wouldn't do nothing. I say it wouldn't matter if it doesn't carry that much amps that's where it gets the first signal also the guy wrote it doesn't do nothing that's why I was thinking it might be a faulty switch. Just my two cents.

No, not quite... He said the lights dim and go out "as if the batteries were dead". That, right there, tells me either the batteries are dead (which they seem not to be), the cables or grounds are bad, or he's trying to start it while the glow plugs are on.

Other than a locked up engine or bad starter, those are the only three things I can think of that would cause that kind of effect. Since he's changed the starter twice I think we can rule out a defective one (but it might still be an incorrect one), and since the engine does start and run once you get it to crank I'd say that rules out a locked up engine.