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#301 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Decided to start on wiring up the tach.
I found some instructions online where someone had hooked up a tach using the cummins balancer sensor. Following that I soldered in a 1k ohm resistor. The orange wire is a 12V wire, the gray wire (IIRC) is the tach signal, and the other wire is a ground. I had an old gas tach (that doesn't read acurately) and hooked it up to this to verify that I had a signal. When I hooked it up the tach read about 300 RPMS (about what is expected since there are only 2 pulses per revolution, not 4 like a V8 tach expects) ![]() Then I ran the signal wire into the cab. I also found what I believe to be the tach signal wire that did go to the distributor (its a white wire that was marked tach, so assuming I marked it accurately when I removed the 454, this should be it) I ran that into the cab as well. Then I hooked up my Dakota digital box and mounted on the bar that goes across the bottom of the dash. I didn't have the instructions on what switches needs to be where, so I didn't actually get the tach to work. I was getting a blinking green light which indicates it is getting a signal. ![]() I found the instructions online for this, so I'm hoping I can get it all to work. One thing is I put a diesel guage cluster in, so its possible that the tach signal is looking for something other than what the gas tach is looking for. So that may be why it wasn't working. If I can't get that to work, I can swap in my gas instrument panel and hopefully that will work.....to be continued ![]() |
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#302 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Armed with the instructions for the Dakota Digital tach box, I set out to get the tach working.
Well the diesel gauge cluster just flat out didn't work. So I swapped in the gas gauge cluster. The tach worked. Now just to get it calibrated. I read through the instructions and started trying to calibrate it. To make a long story short, I think my calibration box is not working. I need it to be about 1.55x. It wouldn't got over 1x, even though according to the instructions it would. So I'll call Dakota Digital tomorrow and see what's up. |
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#303 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ponca City, ok
Posts: 34
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Re: Project Family Chummins
I love what you have done with this truck, it is coming along great. I'll be keeping an eye on it. As for your comment on the wiring for the alarm, my experience has been that the instructions are terrible! I have an 06 silverado and picked up one of the most common alarm/remote start/keyless entry systems I could thinking I'd be able to pull it off no problem. As you are finding out it isn't practical to do if you're not a dealer. I'm going to pay the $200 to them and drive away knowing it was done correctly. Good luck with your truck.
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"Turn off the mower and step away!" Officer "I don't have park on this thing." Me "Have you been drinking?" Officer "Why else would I be on a mower on a sidewalk at midnight on a Thursday?" Me "Turn around and put your hands on the hood." Officer "At least I'll have a good story." Me ![]() |
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#304 | |
Junk Yartist
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Greeley, CO
Posts: 2,203
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Quote:
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__________________
-Jeremy YOU ONLY FAIL IF YOU STOP TRYING 70 Crew Cab Build Link 70 GMC Suburban 4X4 build thread 95 Yukon Daily Driver Rebuilding an NP205 |
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#305 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
I called Dakota Digital and talked to one of their techs. I was not impressed. This guys seemed as though he just started and couldn't answer what one of the switches does. I'm pretty sure it should change it from the "hi" calibration table to the "low" calibration table and doesn't seem to be working. But without a wiring diagram to figure out how this box does what its doing, I'm not sure. He did say that their speedometer box (SGI-5) should be able to convert the signal. All he knew was that his notes said that it wouldn't work with a harmonic balancer trigger. My thinking is a signal is a signal, and it shouldn't matter where it comes from (as long as its the right type of signal) This box will convert the signal down, just not up (hence why I think the cal range swith isn't working)
Anyways, the SGI-5 box is on its way. I'm actually probably going to get another one of these to run the speedo off the rear axle. In other news: I got the lift pump installed. For as simple as it is, it took me more than time expected. About 3 hours. In the process I did remove the fuel heater which apparently doesn't really help with anything and only creates problems by allowing air to be sucked into the fuel. I never did plug the fuel heater in when I wired everthing up. |
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#306 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Finally back at it!
Like I had mentioned before, I put the lift pump on. What I didn't mention was that after the install I was leaking a bunch of oil. The lift pump is in a place where its difficult to see, and the rear gasket had slipped off on of the bolts, therefore not sealing all the way around. Then I went to Washington DC and NYC for a week. Then this week I've been super busy, but finally got time to correct the gasket. I also managed to sell the dually bed today as well as make a trip to the metal recycling place where I scrapped the dodge cab and other junk. Overall I put $350 back in my pocket ![]() |
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#307 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: sw colorado
Posts: 2,720
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Nice!
anything on the tach/speedo? |
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#308 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
I stopped by the local cummins dealer and got 2 lift pump gaskets and got them installed. A lot easier than the first time I did it
![]() I also adjusted the drag link so my steering wheel is pretty close to being straight now. So tomorrow I'm driving it to work....daily driver time! I also got a note on my door from Fed Ex....my running boards are in but they require a signature, so I have to go pick them up since I kinda work all day when fed ex delivers....kinda annoying, but I'll live. |
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#309 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Tonight I tackled the overhead console wiring. Basically the "conversion" overhead console had non-factory wiring. So I tapped into one wire (for the pasenger visor light) and ran another wire, hooked it all up and now my map lights work and my homelink garage door opener works!
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#310 |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Nice work!!
__________________
Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project Tired of spark plugs? Check this out. |
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#311 |
Junk Yartist
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Greeley, CO
Posts: 2,203
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Is that homelink section removeable and independant? I have the oldschool push button pocket and would love to upgrade.
__________________
-Jeremy YOU ONLY FAIL IF YOU STOP TRYING 70 Crew Cab Build Link 70 GMC Suburban 4X4 build thread 95 Yukon Daily Driver Rebuilding an NP205 |
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#312 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Quote:
you have to hook up a ground wire, constant, and ignition wire and you're in business. I got it at the salvage yard for $10 (cheaper than a new garage door remote at home depot!) |
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#313 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Stopped by the salvage yard today and got a "new" headlight switch plug. The one on my truck has a big wire shoved into it, a wire nut, and the plastic plug is a little melted. This then causes it to jump to another wire turning the headlights on. Hasn't really been too much of an issue, but I know it needs corrected, so now I just have to pull all the pins out of the old plug and install into the new one and then cut off the one big wire with the wire nut and connect up the new wire.
I also got a center dome light while I was there. My next stop was by Fed Ex to pickup my nerf bars (or whatever you call them...running boards...whatever). In order to install them, I had to trip a little bit of this lip on the bottom of the rocker pinch weld (as the instructions say to do) and then drill a couple of holes through the rocker. Then they just bolt on. The way its all situated, the nuts are kind of a pain to get to, so I only got the drivers side on tonight: ![]() ![]() These are N-fab brand and appear to be made pretty well. I really like the looks of them, and on this truck are definitely necessary. |
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#314 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
I got the pass. side nerf bar installed tonight.
I also got the dome light installed that I picked up from the salvage yard the other day. Finally I hooked up the speedo. Rather than messing with trying to get the transmission speedo output to work (Dodge uses 3 wires, GM uses 2) I decided to use the abs speed sensor that is in the rear end. I twisted two wires together (I think it is supposed to cancel out noise) and ran it up to my Dakota Digital box (SLG-5). Then I ran a wire back through the firewall to where the speedo use to get its signal from the ECM. Well I had 2 green wires to choose from (labeled "1" and "2"....whoever did that was a genious) I got luck and got the right one and the speedo moved. It showed about 80 rolling out of the garage ![]() |
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#315 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,859
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Re: Project Family Chummins
A video of you going 80 out of the garage would have been cool
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__________________
Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
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#316 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: sw colorado
Posts: 2,720
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Re: Project Family Chummins
![]() I am interested in how you like the dakota stuff. i am really considering their gauge panel and a few of the add ons for my truck. its nice that you can get all the extra gauge readings without needing the actual guages. Ryan |
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#317 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Quote:
Also, since I couldn't get the tach to work correctly off of the factory dodge sensor (I think my dakota digital box is messed up). Anyways, I'm going to hopefully have the alternator worked on to have it interanally regulated and a tach sensor lead installed. Right now all of my lights pulse and its annoying. Hopefully an internally regulated alt will take care of this. |
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#318 |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Just replace the dodge external regulator with a ford regulator like Vman did on his 89 Suburban. The pulsating will go away. Is your balancer still 2 notches? I've had 2 more milled in to them and got the tachs to work.
__________________
Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project Tired of spark plugs? Check this out. |
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#319 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Quote:
Oh, I had read on 4btswap.com that others had their dodge alternators modified to be internally regulated and have a tach lead installed. I called all of the alternator repair shops around here and none of them said they could do it, and acted like I was stupid for asking.
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Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index Last edited by Ackattack; 04-17-2013 at 04:28 PM. |
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#321 | |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Quote:
__________________
Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project Tired of spark plugs? Check this out. |
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#322 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Woohoo....found a guy at work that can weld aluminum for me. We're going to narrow the innercooler at the top to allow for clearance for the headlights. Right now they're pushed all the way out and interfere with the grill.
Then I'm going to get some of those clear headlights, cause mine have a horrible yellow haze over them and don't put out much light. Then I can also get a new grill (since this one is cracked and trimmed for the headlights) for when it gets painted. Also, I want to get the intercooler modified before I do my A/C. |
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#323 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
So tonight's project: add a "w" terminal to my stock 2nd gen dodge alternator.
First, remove the alternator and put it on the bench front side down: ![]() Next remove the cover. It requires removing about 6 small nuts and 1 larger one (on the charging terminal) ![]() Then figure out where you want to run your wire. I looked at the cover and found one that looked convienent. Drilled a hole in the cover. I put a small terminal on a wire and put two pieces of heat shrink on it (2 layers that is) and hooked it up to one of the terminals of the stator. ![]() Then fish the wire through the hole in the cover and put the nuts back on. ![]() Re-install. That's it, really easy. I ran the wire to my diesel guage cluster and it worked. Granted, the signal I'm getting from the alternator is showing ~700 rpms when the engine is running ~960, so I'll still have to run it through a box to calibrate the signal. This was so easy, I'm not sure why people would mess with running a chevy diesel alternator on a cummins. I would imagine that with the pulley size differences, the rpms would still be off. |
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#324 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Project Family Chummins
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#325 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,859
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Re: Project Family Chummins
Quote:
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__________________
'70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60 |
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