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CUCV Starting problem

jaydnitro

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I have a 1984 CUCV with the 24v 6.2L Diesel. I am having problems getting it started...... It will crank and crank until the batteries die.But no fire.I get a puff of white smoke when Im cranking it.Batteries have been charged. New set of glow plugs in it from Accurate Diesel. Replaced fuel filter. This is driving me nuts!!!!Also when I got it it has a new GP relay in it (made in Mexico on it). It will start with a spray of starting fluid.Hated to do it but it had to be moved. any suggestions !!!???
 
I'm no expert, but when that happens to me so far it was because of air in the fuel system somewhere. I can generally bleed the system at the fuel filter and it helps. I think these things are prone to filling with air if everything isn't perfect and they can't expel the air until they start, cranking won't do it.

I have a tube permanently attached to the fuel filter down to the back of the wheel well, so it's easy to just throw a bucket under there, open the bleeder thing, crank it for a bit and then close it once fuel is coming out - best with a helper. Good luck.
 
if you have smoke while cranking, fuel is present. The fact that it starts easily with starting fluid also says fuel is bing injected.

make sure you are actually getting voltage to the plugs.
 
if you have smoke while cranking, fuel is present. The fact that it starts easily with starting fluid also says fuel is bing injected.

make sure you are actually getting voltage to the plugs.

Agree. It sounds like the glow plugs might not be working. Check to see if the relay on the fire wall (by the master cylinder) is actually working. Also, if the relay is working you may have damaged the glow plugs by using starting fluid. If you had to do it, you had to do it though...

Check out "Steel Soldiers" for the tech manuals in the resources section.

Smitty
 
The heck with the relay card. Put a manual push button that pulls in the glow plug solenoid and hold it for a count of 15. If plugs are good she will start.:D
Of course, as long as she has fuel but it sounds like you do. One question, do you hear the solenoid "clunk or click" in? The solenoid usually makes a pretty loud "clunk" when it closes. In the CUCV's there is no sound dampening on the firewall and you can hear it pretty good. I've also put a 12v tester on the output to the glow plugs and when you turn the key and the glow light comes on, the tester should also light. The glow cards in the CUCV's are notorious for not working and can cost a lot to replace. When mine went I just put a push button to the coil terminals on the solenoid and held it in manually. The lights will still come on dash but you will know that the glow is working because you can hear it pull in. Wire the feeder for the push button direct off the battery and you do not even have to turn the key on to glow. This helps keep the heater fan, radio, or any other electrical device that might be turned on from drawing juice while you're glowing the engine. My M1009 has started flawlessly since I did this.
 
Just want to agree with what you have been told so far. Make sure there isn't air by bleeding at the filter on the firewall. And just replace that lousy glow plug card with a momentary button.

Something else to replace is the starter relay under the dash. When it fails, it fails ON and will burn up your starter. A Ford remote solenoid works great. That relay can't handle what is being asked of it.

Listen for the glow plugs to cycle. You should be able to hear them turn on and off. Depending on how cold it is, it could take from 5 seconds to 30 seconds.
 
Wow, I forgot about the damn starter relay. 4Xken is so right. When they let go they do fry your starter. I might be wrong but I believe that relay kicks in with 24v and for some reason the 24v doesn't seem to hold it good plus the contacts are way too small. The starter and the relay are really the only 24v power in the system other than the resistor bank. The starter relay if you don't know is under the dash below were the radio would be. I believe there is two relays under there in that area. The starter relay is the one with a heavy purple wire going to it (might be 4 wires in total, 2 heavy, 2 lighter gauge.
 
Update:
replaced Glow plug relay. Gen 1 light comes on but will go out with a push on the gas pedal. Also my Volmeter is not registering .... not low just not working at all it appears. Had it running and drove around... when I turned it off it wouldnt start back up. Had new batteries put in also... glow plug controller card you think ?? Still crank and crank but still no fire. Also cannot hear the "click" on the relay now
 
Mine would do the same thing with the Gen light coming on low until I revved the engine. Later on my voltage gauge went out also. It sounds like you replaced the glow card and then you got it started. Now it sounds like the new card is not working. Does the glow plug light come on? It is the left indicator light in the top center of the dash between the speedometer and fuel gauge bezels. If the light is not coming on and you do not hear any "clicking" there's a good chance the replacement card is bad also. What actually happened when you got it started? What isn't happening now that happened when you were able to get it to start.
 
Where is the GP card located? And thanks for the link to CUCVelectric. Made in USA with upgrades... nice.
 
Its under the dash its in a black box about the size of a cigarette box. There is another smaller one so don't get them confused.
 
Yes is right under the steering wheel behind the dash . This is what it looks like. when you take yours out look and see if any circuits are burnt

cp card.jpg
 

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