Issues with CUCV ( electrical/ starter alternator)

[Rangerpig]

Hi everyone, i introduced my self a few weeks ago. I was a member years ago. On one of my deployments, my cucv was lost, impounded, auctioned. It had CB radio ripped out, Stereo system taken out, and also one of the rear Night Vision lights.
Also, a 6 inch lift, 37 inch tires were put on.

I got her back, drove her to NY and she was doing fine. Looked like a little leak up front but not much. Alternator started going out (driver side) so i had it replaced. I drove it around all day fine, but very next morning, it wouldn't start! Wouldn't turn over or anything. I called the shop that worked on it, they said it was not their fault and the starter probably went out. You know, that could be the case, but they didn't offer to take it in and ensure the problem wasn't their fault. I went to another shop, got a starter installed and drove it away. 5 miles later, boom, the water pump went out! had a class 4 leak within 10 miles. I drive back to the shop, they inspected it and said water pump failure. They could replace it for 300 almost 400 dollars.
First question, is that just another coincidence? Does installing a starter have anything to do with the water pump? are they liable, or do i just have to trust them and dish out another 400? same with the alternator and starter! Starter went out less than 12 hours after alternator was installed!

Lastly, didn't drive CUCV for 3 days. Day two went to start her, and it took lots of smoke and sounded like it drained both batteries (new). I didn't drive it, just started it. Day three, I tried starting it with intention to drive, and all I did was kill the battery. I couldn't find a jump (tried but didn't work) so i cabbed out and got a new battery. Switched both batteries and then this happened...
Lights turn on, radio works, but doesn't turn over. It is a push to start, when i wait for WAIT light to turn off, push the button to start, absolutely nothing! No sound, no action! On a normal day, it turns over, this time, nothing. I am stranded, not happy.

Questions are, is the above just coincidence , or are these shady businesses trying to take advantage of me? What is up with no noise now? ugghh!
Looks like, from what I have read, I need to check glow plugs, check for air in fuel ( how, by bleeding i think?) , and solenoid.

Happy Sunday and preemptive thanks for the help!

 

[Hasdrubal]

You said "Looked like a little leak up front". Did you check the source, it was likely the water pump weep hole and it finally went out on you. You should always inspect any leak, is is oil, water or fuel. Is is a critical immediate repair issue that would affect driveability or is it just a small oil drip from the pan. When you replaced the alternator was it charging properly? Voltmeter up in the green zone. An Alternator replacement would not affect the starter in any conceivable way.


What kind of starter was in it? Direct drive, gear reduction, was it 24V? What was it replaced with?


Also when you went to start it but didn't drive, it doesn't charge the batteries. You should drive it around or charge the batteries if you're having starting issues with long cranking times. Long cranking times draining the batteries can kill some cheap starters. You may have an el-cheapo made in China starter. Prone to failure, even as soon as a few days. Best to get an original 27MT direct drive and have it rebuilt.


As for bleeding, there are plenty of threads here that cover checking fuel at filter, removing pink IP wire and bleeding injectors.

 

[Ordak]

Your starter relay might of went, pretty common problem. It could solve your problem because the way you describe it sounds like it is not even trying to engage the starter. BELOW is the link to the guide on how to complete the "Doghead Starter Relay" You may also want to try just charging your batteries because it may have enough to run the lights but not engage the starter (check Alternator with voltmeter if that works). Last thing to check would be your push button for loose wires and to test the button to see if it is shorted, not closing the circuit, or broken mechanically.

As far as the stuff going bad I think it is just bad luck and timing. These are 30 year old trucks and things will break. Also the owner between when it was auctioned until you bought it could of been cheap or could not warrant spending the extra few bucks to get the better parts. I hope you have better luck in the future.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?60960-doghead-starter-relay-modifcation

 

[Rangerpig]

Hey brother, thank you for the response, and at the same time, apologies for my delayed response. So, the leak i saw, it was fuel and it wasn't deadline status. i should let you know, I am not a mechanic nor am I good at mechanic stuff. I spent more time playing video games than listening and watching my dad work on cars...something I regret today! anyway, it was a fuel leak, smelt like diesel, coming from maybe the fuel pump. i traced it as far back as i could. I should have taken it serious, guarantee it will not happen again!
When the gentleman put in the alternator, he said it was charging correctly. thing was, bolt patterns fit, just one thing was off, the grounding bolt was a lot smaller than the one that came with the original. one mechanic said it wouldn't work, the other said lets try it. we installed, and the truck turned on. the next morning, starter was out. I have no idea what type of alternator it was. it was a new delco #, that is what I heard them say.
As for the starter, no idea what type it is! I ll ask them tomorrow, I am dropping it off again.

I feel like i dropped a truck off these guys don't know how to work on and are just breaking it more. :/

 

[Rangerpig]

thank you for your response as well. Both batteries were fully charged. starter didn't even try to turn over.
I will look into getting an voltimeter and youtube how to use it. looks like it might be important for these trucks. lol

 

[Ordak]

thank you for your response as well. Both batteries were fully charged. starter didn't even try to turn over.
I will look into getting an voltimeter and youtube how to use it. looks like it might be important for these trucks. lol

Yeah a good voltmeter will come in handy for troubleshooting. I would still look into the starter relay because it will save you aggravation down the line.

 

[Tinstar]

Hopefully you kept the original alternator
That can be rebuilt

I would suggest a heavy dose of reading threads and TMs and basic tool investment.
Never to late to learn.

Most shops (some owners even) don't understand the 12/24 electrical system and can sometimes make things worse.

 

[Rangerpig]

Hopefully you kept the original alternator
That can be rebuilt

I would suggest a heavy dose of reading threads and TMs and basic tool investment.
Never to late to learn.

Most shops (some owners even) don't understand the 12/24 electrical system and can sometimes make things worse.

I do have the other altinator. I should have asked for the starter as well. Didn't think about it.

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[Rangerpig]

Hopefully you kept the original alternator
That can be rebuilt

I would suggest a heavy dose of reading threads and TMs and basic tool investment.
Never to late to learn.

Most shops (some owners even) don't understand the 12/24 electrical system and can sometimes make things worse.

That is what i think happened. They messed something up, now everything is going to ****. Like a bad heart transplant. As for reading tm's and buying my own tools, that means my truck will be down for a while! I need her up and running now

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[Tinstar]

That is what i think happened. They messed something up, now everything is going to ****. Like a bad heart transplant. As for reading tm's and buying my own tools, that means my truck will be down for a while! I need her up and running now

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Totally understand the need it up and running now.

Recommend you do it when you can.

Not only will you save $$ by doing things yourself, but you learn a lot about the truck and systems at the same time.
Plus the pride that comes with a completed job you did yourself.

 

[Rangerpig]

absolutely true and I agree 100% Hopefully these guys will give me a clean fix and I can take it from there.