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Tips and advice for new owners

Sganderson

Member
45
51
18
Location
South Carolina
I wanted to make a thread that I thought would be valuable and informative for new owners of m1008’s and m1009’s, also people like myself new to the 6.2 liter . What are things that should be done to keep the engine in good shape, and the vehicle in good running condition as a whole? Or how about some common issues one may run into ? Any “must do” upgrades? Things to consider and or avoid.
 

usabamaman

Member
70
23
8
Location
Anywhere, Alabama
First change the ignition key and door keys. Especially if still camo paint, install daytime led running lights on front. Put two new 1000 cca batteries in, preferably Caterpillar ones. Change all fluids to synthetics. Replace all filters.
Fill fuel tank to full at every half tank mark and add 16 ounces of 2 cycle oil. To prevent oil leakage, install new CDR and oil filler cap. Perform "Doghead" starter relay change. Consider replacing electronic card controller for glow plugs with a push button. Reduce tire air pressure from the listed 45 to 38 psi. If the rubber floor cover is still in it, remove immediately. Disconnect switches for night driving light and black out lights. If rear wheels fail to lock up, add GM special additive to the rear diff. Check frame near power steering box for bends and cracks.
 

dougco1

Well-known member
817
544
93
Location
Cooperstown NY
First change the ignition key and door keys. Especially if still camo paint, install daytime led running lights on front. Put two new 1000 cca batteries in, preferably Caterpillar ones. Change all fluids to synthetics. Replace all filters.
Fill fuel tank to full at every half tank mark and add 16 ounces of 2 cycle oil. To prevent oil leakage, install new CDR and oil filler cap. Perform "Doghead" starter relay change. Consider replacing electronic card controller for glow plugs with a push button. Reduce tire air pressure from the listed 45 to 38 psi. If the rubber floor cover is still in it, remove immediately. Disconnect switches for night driving light and black out lights. If rear wheels fail to lock up, add GM special additive to the rear diff. Check frame near power steering box for bends and cracks.
I wanted to make a thread that I thought would be valuable and informative for new owners of m1008’s and m1009’s, also people like myself new to the 6.2 liter . What are things that should be done to keep the engine in good shape, and the vehicle in good running condition as a whole? Or how about some common issues one may run into ? Any “must do” upgrades? Things to consider and or avoid.
 
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dougco1

Well-known member
817
544
93
Location
Cooperstown NY
I believe if you keep these trucks as "stock as possible" in regards to "not reinventing the wheel" with their design, they could last another 35 plus years.
In a well maintained truck there is no need to modify starter relays or convert to glow plug push button systems.

If you find a need to modify things to make them work then there is something wrong with that truck that the owner doesn't understand. With that thought process you are not maintaining your ride, your just playing back yard engineer and cobbling your ride back together.

With these trucks it's been said on this site many times before; If its electrical clean it, if its rubber replace it. and I'll add a few of my own; If its mechanical grease it and if its rust paint it.

Much of the enjoyment of owning these trucks is discovering why they were designed the way they are and the simplicity of that design.
Just have fun with it and enjoy it for decades more.[/QUOTE]
 

usabamaman

Member
70
23
8
Location
Anywhere, Alabama
Just as human beings can improve their heath and longevity, so can machines' lives and function be improved with some tweaking. The original designs of machines in all cases take into account costs, much of the time I prefer dependability. Also, the ---- I had install a starter shorted out my glow plug card, that is why I replaced it with a simple push button. It is now imperious to any type of shorting out and rids the entire vehicle of all electronic parts with the exception of the voltage regulators in the alternators and my daytime running lights.
 
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LT67

Well-known member
654
497
63
Location
Bowdon, GA
I believe if you keep these trucks as "stock as possible" in regards to "not reinventing the wheel" with their design, they could last another 35 plus years.
In a well maintained truck there is no need to modify starter relays or convert to glow plug push button systems.

If you find a need to modify things to make them work then there is something wrong with that truck that the owner doesn't understand. With that thought process you are not maintaining your ride, your just playing back yard engineer and cobbling your ride back together.

With these trucks it's been said on this site many times before; If its electrical clean it, if its rubber replace it. and I'll add a few of my own; If its mechanical grease it and if its rust paint it.

Much of the enjoyment of owning these trucks is discovering why they were designed the way they are and the simplicity of that design.
Just have fun with it and enjoy it for decades more.
[/QUOTE]

Well said, although if the factory fuel filter housing starts leaking you will be doing a spin on filter mod... wound up having to do that on my 85 m1008
 

Mullaney

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
Supporting Vendor
7,251
18,810
113
Location
Charlotte NC
Well said, although if the factory fuel filter housing starts leaking you will be doing a spin on filter mod... wound up having to do that on my 85 m1008
[/QUOTE]
.
A spin-on filter for oil or fuel is a good upgrade.

On the other hand, if what you have works and doesn't leak... you might say why.
.
 

LT67

Well-known member
654
497
63
Location
Bowdon, GA
Well said, although if the factory fuel filter housing starts leaking you will be doing a spin on filter mod... wound up having to do that on my 85 m1008
.
A spin-on filter for oil or fuel is a good upgrade.

On the other hand, if what you have works and doesn't leak... you might say why.
.
[/QUOTE]
I upgraded my 85 m1008 to a Duramax fuel filter set up. I'll have to say that having the primer pump makes it worth it even if the factory unit is not leaking. As soon as I find another D'max unit, I'll swap it on the 86 m1008.
 

1love

Member
97
99
18
Location
CA
Replace all the rubber fuel lines as well! Too bad, they don't make PTFE lines we could just pop on and forget about it. Maybe I'll design some and get a product going???!!!
 
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mrlippy

New member
18
6
3
Location
Huntington Beach, Ca
Great to see this post! My new years resolution was/is to get my girl back on the road. I've had her on non-op since 2017 :(. I'm getting closer!

I've been all over this site again refreshing and learning all over, lol. Thank goodness for this website and its great members, absolutely priceless.

Old radiator problems surfaced immediately, not really a surprise, as it was leaking when I parked her. I went the rebuilding the old one, tanks were good, core was shot. Not cheap! but, I was a little nervous ordering a aftermarket after lots of reading about them here. Though, most of those posts are 10 years old, lol. Ordered new hoses and rubber mounts, even though the originals looked fine.

any thoughts or ideas guys?

TIA
 

LT67

Well-known member
654
497
63
Location
Bowdon, GA
Replace every thing that's rubber; tires, belts, hose, fuel lines,...

I previously mentioned harmonic balancer because while the rubber may look good on the balancer, it's dried and hardened.
 

mrlippy

New member
18
6
3
Location
Huntington Beach, Ca
Replace every thing that's rubber; tires, belts, hose, fuel lines,...

I previously mentioned harmonic balancer because while the rubber may look good on the balancer, it's dried and hardened.
All good actions, thanks. I did those fuel line, bypassed the stock filter on the firewall, new belts and tires.
 
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