1993 GMC K3500 6.5L Turbo Diesel Starting problem

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

SeanRinVA@gmail.com - 29 Sep 2006 12:32 GMT

Hello all,

I'm usually pretty good with this, but this problem has me stumped. My
K3500 is exhibiting symptoms that I would normally attribute to a flat
spot. The problem is - I've replaced the starter within the past 3
weeks (AutoZone w/ LLT Warranty), and it is exhibiting the same type of
behavior.

I turn the key, and get a Click...burr sound until I turn the key back.
Voltages on both batteries are good; both are within a year old.
While I am driving, my AMMETER shows 14V, which is where it should be.
I haven't checked the voltage across the starter yet. If it's a bad
starter again, no problem...but if there's something causing this to
happen to the starter, I want to fix that.

Your ideas are welcome...

Please email directly to SeanRinVA at gmail dot com

Reply to this Message

Scott Dorsey - 29 Sep 2006 14:55 GMT

>I'm usually pretty good with this, but this problem has me stumped. My
>K3500 is exhibiting symptoms that I would normally attribute to a flat
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>I turn the key, and get a Click...burr sound until I turn the key back.
> Voltages on both batteries are good; both are within a year old.

Okay, so the starter solenoid moves, bt the starter doesn't turn or doesn't
turn much.

>While I am driving, my AMMETER shows 14V, which is where it should be.

I hope you mean voltmeter.

>I haven't checked the voltage across the starter yet. If it's a bad
>starter again, no problem...but if there's something causing this to
>happen to the starter, I want to fix that.

If the starter is turning, the voltage is fine. But the starter is not
engaging. If it's a damaged flywheel, you should be able to push the
vehicle in gear (assuming a manual transmission) and move the flywheel
a bit.

I would not be surprised if you just got a crappy Autozone rebuild that
fell apart, though. But did you check the flywheel when you replaced
the starter last time?
--scott

Signature

"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Reply to this Message

John S. - 29 Sep 2006 17:00 GMT

> Hello all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> weeks (AutoZone w/ LLT Warranty), and it is exhibiting the same type of
> behavior.

I'm not clear. Was the problem there before you replaced the starter
or did it occur afterward.

> I turn the key, and get a Click...burr sound until I turn the key back.

So the starter is turning but not engaging the flywheel. A low battery
will sound much like this. Do check the batteries as indicated below
out before swapping any more parts. Just because they are 1 year old
does not mean they are still good.

> Voltages on both batteries are good; both are within a year old.

Static voltage isn't really a good indicator. You should perform a
load check.

> While I am driving, my AMMETER shows 14V, which is where it should be.
> I haven't checked the voltage across the starter yet. If it's a bad
> starter again, no problem...but if there's something causing this to
> happen to the starter, I want to fix that.

Probably a volt meter showing 14v.

> Your ideas are welcome...
>
> Please email directly to SeanRinVA at gmail dot com

Please read on the group.

Reply to this Message

Steve - 02 Oct 2006 14:54 GMT

>>I turn the key, and get a Click...burr sound until I turn the key back.
>
> So the starter is turning but not engaging the flywheel.

Doubtful, since the solenoid HAS to engage the flywheel before it closes
the contacts through which power is applied to the motor windings! Its
probably the solenoid "chattering" an not engaging. Sounds like
excessive voltage drop (same symptom as a dead battery) or a bad
solenoid. It could also just be a bad connection, so that the solenoid
has enough voltage to pull in, but as soon as the starter motor windings
are turned on, the voltage drops and the solenoid releases, then the
voltage comes back up and the cycle repeats causeing the "burrrr" sound.

Reply to this Message

SeanRinVA - 02 Oct 2006 21:06 GMT

Thanks to all who responded. To answer a few questions...

The starter was not turning. Inspection of the flywheel revealed no
flaws.
This starter started displaying the same problem as the starter it
replaced.
The batteries were a little low (showing ~11.85v), so a deep charge was
performed on them while I was replacing the unit. Tested both under
load before and after charging, and both tested fine.
The Voltmeter in the dash is what I meant.
I replaced the starter with another one from AutoZone, and the truck is
starting with no problems.

Sean

> >>I turn the key, and get a Click...burr sound until I turn the key back.
> >
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> are turned on, the voltage drops and the solenoid releases, then the
> voltage comes back up and the cycle repeats causeing the "burrrr" sound.

Reply to this Message