CUCV Starter

[bcrobbins]

I have an 85 CUCV that I have been having fuel problems with. In dealing with those issues and having to crank the engine over and over, I think I may have worn the starter out. I've never really wrenched on a diesel, so I am wondering if the symptoms I'm experiencing are what I think they are.
The batteries seems to have charge as all the lights work, but the motor won't turn over when I turn the key. It tries to turn, but just doesn't seem to have enough power to make a revolution. The "wait" light seems to take longer to turn off also.
Is it possible that there is something else wrong and I don't have to proceed with the daunting task of replacing the starter? It looks pretty buried down there with an arctic heating package taking up a lot of space. One other detail is that I just removed an replaced the fuel filter base. I don't think I would have mucked anything up in that process. The truck just refused to turn over on a random crank while trying to bleed the fuel system.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Pretty likely that's a battery issue, but bad motors can draw a lot of amps and can be difficult to spin as well.

Take your battery to an auto parts store and let them test it, that will tell you what you're dealing with. The starter takes WAY more power than the lights, the lights will work long after there isn't enough juice to start the truck, especially a diesel.

 

[bcrobbins]

Thanks, Chris

You make a really good point, and I hadn't thought of that logical and probable explanation. I'll charge the batteries and see what she'll do.

 

[Massboy]

"It looks pretty buried down there with an arctic heating package taking up a lot of space."


Quick question: do you still have the complete artic package in your vehicle. I was told they couldn't be sold with the diesel fuel burner. Mine came from AK but the burner was gone. It had the insulated battery boxes, the fuel lines with pump/filter and the holes cut through the fenders. Some of the ducting was gone. The long flexible exhaust pipe was still on the lower chassis too. Curious if yours is complete if you could post some pics.
On the starter issue I have found that the cables are culprits too. Loose and broken inside the insulation are things I've seen. Slightly loose starters and no rear starter support bracket can also cause the bendix to not fully engage.

 

[bcrobbins]

Massboy,

Mine does have a functional arctic heating system, but I'm not sure it's a complete one because I don't know anything about the swingfire heater. Actually, I don't know much about anything to do with the arctic heating system. It's my understanding that the swingfire heater is for very extreme temperatures, and is seprate from the engine block and oil heater, which can also be redirected to heat the cab. The engine/cab heater run off diesel and work fine in my truck, but I have yet to figure out whether it has, or how to use the swingfire pump. It must have had one at some point, because there are a couple of toggle switches in the dash whose labels mention a swingfire pump.
Do you know anything about them?
Anyway, I'll post some pics of my system for your viewing pleasure, and if there is something specific that I leave out, feel free to ask for more.
As for the burners, I think that a company called Arctic Fox makes them, although I've never inquired. If you google "Diesel Vehicle Arctic Heating Systems", or something along those lines, there should be a couple of companies that make them, but Arctic Fox is the only one that comes to mind.

 

[bcrobbins]

The batteries were the problem. I charged them up and she fired right up. Thanks for looking out for a brain-fart-prone, wannabe mechanic!