84 Crew Cab, strange electrical problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bino · 12-06-2015, 02:33 AM

I recently picked up a 1984 K30 Camper Special to ultimately be my DD and work truck. It's 100% original and unmolested (but lots of deferred maintenance). It has clearly not been regularly driven in quite a while. I'm pretty sure it has every option for an 84. It's a K30 with 6.2L and SM465. Recently it's had a strange battery issue, if it sits for a while, when I turn the ignition, the truck is 100% electrically dead, no headlights, no brake lights, no starter click, nothing. I have a manual glow plug switch that does work, however, I can hear the relay click when I press it. I checked the batteries and they both have 12.4V, so they're fine. If I put a charger on the batteries for less than a minute, the truck will miraculously come to life. The batteries and alternator are fairly new. Any thoughts? Thanks.

GM72K10 · 12-06-2015, 08:53 AM

not been regularly driven in quite a while

I pick up a lot of ex military and government trucks that have been sitting sometimes for many years on end. CLEAN ALL electrical contacts and grounds. If that doesn't correct your problem at least its a start. Good Luck.

**old Rusty C10** · 12-06-2015, 06:42 PM

Id start at the starter connections it is definitely a bad contact somewhere

Bino · 12-06-2015, 07:06 PM

Yep, just had a chance to tinker a bit. After a little contemplation, and checking a little wire routing, it turned out to be a corroded connection coming off the starter. It really didn't feel loose, but a little manual persuasion got it to wiggle just a hair, and the truck came back to life. Now I wish I'd gotten my starter rebuilt last week like I'd planned.. thanks for the help gents.

12-06-2015, 02:33 AM	#1
Bino Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Talent, Oregon Posts: 30	84 Crew Cab, strange electrical problem I recently picked up a 1984 K30 Camper Special to ultimately be my DD and work truck. It's 100% original and unmolested (but lots of deferred maintenance). It has clearly not been regularly driven in quite a while. I'm pretty sure it has every option for an 84. It's a K30 with 6.2L and SM465. Recently it's had a strange battery issue, if it sits for a while, when I turn the ignition, the truck is 100% electrically dead, no headlights, no brake lights, no starter click, nothing. I have a manual glow plug switch that does work, however, I can hear the relay click when I press it. I checked the batteries and they both have 12.4V, so they're fine. If I put a charger on the batteries for less than a minute, the truck will miraculously come to life. The batteries and alternator are fairly new. Any thoughts? Thanks. __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer, Cummins 4BT, ZF 5spd, Hydraulic Clutch, 3.42 Gears, 32X11.50, 4" Straight Piped 1999.5 MKIV Golf TDI, Red, 2Dr, 5spd, Arietta's, 14lb G60 Flywheel, VR6 Clutch. 2002 VFR800, Red, Polished Wheels, otherwise stock.

12-06-2015, 08:53 AM	#2
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,483	Re: 84 Crew Cab, strange electrical problem not been regularly driven in quite a while I pick up a lot of ex military and government trucks that have been sitting sometimes for many years on end. CLEAN ALL electrical contacts and grounds. If that doesn't correct your problem at least its a start. Good Luck. __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

12-06-2015, 06:42 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: 84 Crew Cab, strange electrical problem Id start at the starter connections it is definitely a bad contact somewhere __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-06-2015, 07:06 PM	#4
Bino Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Talent, Oregon Posts: 30	Re: 84 Crew Cab, strange electrical problem Yep, just had a chance to tinker a bit. After a little contemplation, and checking a little wire routing, it turned out to be a corroded connection coming off the starter. It really didn't feel loose, but a little manual persuasion got it to wiggle just a hair, and the truck came back to life. Now I wish I'd gotten my starter rebuilt last week like I'd planned.. thanks for the help gents. __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer, Cummins 4BT, ZF 5spd, Hydraulic Clutch, 3.42 Gears, 32X11.50, 4" Straight Piped 1999.5 MKIV Golf TDI, Red, 2Dr, 5spd, Arietta's, 14lb G60 Flywheel, VR6 Clutch. 2002 VFR800, Red, Polished Wheels, otherwise stock.

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