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[GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89103] Fri, 18 June 2010 08:37 Go to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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The dirty little secret here is; the GMC starter draws 100 amps just to run,
and 300 amps to crank the GMC. This says that any connection between the
battery and the starter (say.01 ohms) could drop 3 volts. A few of these
will cause big problems.

The OEM connection of the starter to the Boost switch was"just ok", when the
GMCs were new. but now, with Owner changes ( cut-off switches, bad cables,
bad grounds), use of the boost switch and hard starting have become common
complaints.

This is a simple 2 step process to help remove these problems - for free-.
You can leave in your disconnect switches, random wiring, etc , just hook
the starter and engine directly to the battery. The cranking is safe, full
proof, and will not drain your batteries in storage. So there is no need
to disconnect the cables when the coach is not in use.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=34367&title=slide125&cat=5493
or*
http://tinyurl.com/2bxtjnw*

An interesting side note. Mr.C and my favorite saying is " ask 3 GMCers a
question and you will get 5 answers. So when I gave this talk at GMCWS, I
asked how many were going to rewire their starters----- none raised their
hand. But just after the rally 3 have called me to say they made the
change and saw a real improvement ;>)

so do your own thing, but keep this in mind when you reach for the boost
switch

JWID
gene


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89111 is a reply to message #89103] Fri, 18 June 2010 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Berry is currently offline  Gary Berry   United States
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Registered: May 2005
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Senior Member
When I was on my 4-month trip last winter, the GMC's starter kept
spinning the engine over slower and slower for weeks. It would start,
but I would always be thinking that this was the last time. I finally
decided to change the starter. I called MrErf about part numbers, told
him my problem, and he said to do the "change the wire" trick. So I
did. Starts like a new starter now. Cost me one new cable.

--
Gary and Diana Berry
73 CL Stretch in Wa.
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Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89114 is a reply to message #89111] Fri, 18 June 2010 10:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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Location: Chandler, AZ
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That starter wire connection on the solenoid seems to be prone to corrosion and generally poor connection. I've had a few times in the middle of no-where and gotten just a click. Cleaning that connection always did the trick, but I never thought about Gene's approach. I did just have to replace the starter the other day and I have to say it spins over like I can't recall for the last 15 years.

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89126 is a reply to message #89103] Fri, 18 June 2010 13:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
fred v is currently offline  fred v   United States
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but you loose the use of the boost switch to help a low charged battery if you do this. right?


Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89128 is a reply to message #89126] Fri, 18 June 2010 13:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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nope, all of that is still connected as it was before

gene



On Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 11:19 AM, fred veenschoten <fredntoni@cox.net>wrote:

>
>
> but you loose the use of the boost switch to help a low charged battery if
> you do this. right?
>
> --
> Fred V
> '77 Royale RB 455
> P'cola, Fl
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--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89186 is a reply to message #89103] Sat, 19 June 2010 06:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Martin is currently offline  Dave Martin   United States
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Registered: May 2010
Location: Ames Iowa Home Base
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Member
Would'nt simply adding a heavy gauge cable from the starting battery to the solenoid and cleaning up connections be sufficient?
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89187 is a reply to message #89186] Sat, 19 June 2010 06:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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Senior Member
the existing cable from the starter is normally ok

the problem is the cable from the starter goes to the boost switch and it
should go to the battery. You want no other connections between the
battery and the starter.

Also the ground from the starter battery should also go to the engine, the
grounding in the GMC is not clearly defined. You want nothing between the
battery and the engine.

by making these changes (no cost), the cranking circuit is clean. Then
you can work on your other power/ grounding issues ;>)

gene

>
>
> Would'nt simply adding a heavy gauge cable from the starting battery to the
> solenoid and cleaning up connections be sufficient?
>
>


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89192 is a reply to message #89187] Sat, 19 June 2010 07:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Martin is currently offline  Dave Martin   United States
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Registered: May 2010
Location: Ames Iowa Home Base
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Mr ERFisher wrote on Sat, 19 June 2010 06:28

the existing cable from the starter is normally ok

the problem is the cable from the starter goes to the boost switch and it
should go to the battery. You want no other connections between the
battery and the starter.


I presume by "...no other connections between the
battery and the starter" you mean between the battery and the starter solenoid.

So why wouldn't just adding a parallel cable between the battery and the solenoid be sufficient? The Boost Switch when open doesn't do anything and when closed would still add boost from the coach batteries.

What am I missing?
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89208 is a reply to message #89192] Sat, 19 June 2010 09:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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Senior Member
>
> So why wouldn't just adding a parallel cable between the battery and the
> solenoid be sufficient? The Boost Switch when open doesn't do anything and
> when closed would still add boost from the coach batteries.
>
>
the boost switch is not a part of the problem.
the starter cable comes from the starter to the boost switch. (this was
the OEM configuration) . then a cable goes from the boost switch to the
battery. The problem is, this adds an additional connection and cable
length, between the starter and the battery.


and
and

this is where all the crap gets added by owners shown in the second slide of
the presentation.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=34368&title=slide216&cat=5493

I found 3 GMCs (one of them mine) where the PO had added battery cut-off
switches between the battery and the boost switch, which made the GMC crank
through them with more than 300 amps (which is not good).

and
and
the grounds are notoriously bad in the GMC. Most owners have the battery
ground going somewhere, with no direct connection to the engine. This
results in burned up acellerator cables, and tranny shift linkage with the
300 amps trying to find a way back to the battery.

this little procedure, lets you just consider the poor starter and it's
required 300 amps, with out having to rewire the whole GMC;>)

but as alwalys, do what you want to do, and when you think you need a new
starter, try this first.

gene
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89228 is a reply to message #89103] Sat, 19 June 2010 13:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
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Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
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Senior Member
Gene, and all,
I did something similar when I made new cables shortly after I 1st got my coach and think it's a good approach. As you point out, it eliminates one connection, and probably 2 feet of wire's worth of resistance from the circuit.

Unfortunately, I learned the downside this spring. I have what you would call the 2 terminal approach (a marine/rv battery with only screw terminals) and between me spacing out and only hooking one of the + cables up after the winter down time, and my high tech 3 stage battery charger falsely giving a shorted cell read-out (which I've now learned my particular charger has a reputation for) the click, click, click when I tried to start it, made me replace a battery that I probably didn't need to. If you actually remember to hook up all the wires after winter it works well though.

On the start/stop button, I suspect manufacturer's are going to be less fond of them after Toyota's recent experiences, or at least be revising software so it doesn't take 3 seconds of holding down to shut off, which creates other issues


Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89247 is a reply to message #89228] Sat, 19 June 2010 15:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
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Senior Member
""On the start/stop button, I suspect manufacturer's are going to be less fond of them after Toyota's recent experiences, or at least be revising software so it doesn't take 3 seconds of holding down to shut off, which creates other issues ""

There are many excellent exictions of the start button that now are falling under suspiscion of another anecdotal mythe. My STS has a start button and it is one of the greatest things I've had on a car for a long time. When I push it while under motion, it stops the engine instantly. Don't blame Toyota's stupid execution as a damnation of a great convenience. I have to say the same about drive by wire. GM first applied it to the 1995 diesel powered Suburbans and at the time it had a brake over-ride. Now drive by wire is damned because of an inept application and people universally pan it based on anecdotal comments. The downside of forums such as this is that readers don't check the validity of comments and they quickly become "fact"


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89250 is a reply to message #89247] Sat, 19 June 2010 16:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Senior Member
Jeez,

I don't know what all this fuss is about start buttons; my 1949 Jaguar Mark
V has one!

Oh now wait a minute, I figger'd it out! In the Jag it really is a START
button not a stop button too.

I reckon we can blame it all on Bill Gates, I had a Kiwi Mate who once said
to me; "I don't care if he is the richest man in the world, clicking on
"Start" to stop a computer is ridiculous!"

Regards,
Rob M.
Now in Humble, Texas

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Bob de Kruyff
Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2010 3:53 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free--



""On the start/stop button, I suspect manufacturer's are going to be less
fond of them after Toyota's recent experiences, or at least be revising
software so it doesn't take 3 seconds of holding down to shut off, which
creates other issues ""

There are many excellent exictions of the start button that now are falling
under suspiscion of another anecdotal mythe. My STS has a start button and
it is one of the greatest things I've had on a car for a long time. When I
push it while under motion, it stops the engine instantly. Don't blame
Toyota's stupid execution as a damnation of a great convenience. I have to
say the same about drive by wire. GM first applied it to the 1995 diesel
powered Suburbans and at the time it had a brake over-ride. Now drive by
wire is damned because of an inept application and people universally pan it
based on anecdotal comments. The downside of forums such as this is that
readers don't check the validity of comments and they quickly become "fact"
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89252 is a reply to message #89247] Sat, 19 June 2010 16:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
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Registered: November 2009
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Harley-Davidson started putting drive by wire throttles
on at least some of their bikes in 2008, I believe.

* Mac Macdonald *
* USAF, Retired *
* Oklahoma City *
** "Money Pit" **
* '76 ex - P.B. *




----------------------------------------
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: NEXT2POOL@AOL.COM
> Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:53:20 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free--
>
>
>
> ""On the start/stop button, I suspect manufacturer's are going to be less fond of them after Toyota's recent experiences, or at least be revising software so it doesn't take 3 seconds of holding down to shut off, which creates other issues ""
>
> There are many excellent exictions of the start button that now are falling under suspiscion of another anecdotal mythe. My STS has a start button and it is one of the greatest things I've had on a car for a long time. When I push it while under motion, it stops the engine instantly. Don't blame Toyota's stupid execution as a damnation of a great convenience. I have to say the same about drive by wire. GM first applied it to the 1995 diesel powered Suburbans and at the time it had a brake over-ride. Now drive by wire is damned because of an inept application and people universally pan it based on anecdotal comments. The downside of forums such as this is that readers don't check the validity of comments and they quickly become "fact"
> --
> Bob de Kruyff
> 78 Eleganza
> Chandler, AZ
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89253 is a reply to message #89252] Sat, 19 June 2010 16:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
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Senior Member
k2gkk wrote on Sat, 19 June 2010 16:37


Harley-Davidson started putting drive by wire throttles
on at least some of their bikes in 2008, I believe.




Harleys have always had drive by wire throttles. They just weren't electric wires. <GRIN>


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89256 is a reply to message #89103] Sat, 19 June 2010 19:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
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Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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Senior Member
On start/Stop Buttons.

They take getting used to. My wife's lexus IS has one. The whole reaching for a key and turning it habit for the last 30 years is now a relearning experience. also, the little feature that it unlocks the drivers door only when the driver reaches for the handle means I have to wait longer for her to unlock MY door when she is driving since she no longer reaches into that dark deep cavern that is her purse for the "key" to unlock the car.

There have been a few times she has gotten out of the car with it still running. Rolling Eyes

At least we don't have to click on something else after hitting start to shut the damn thing down. (shutdown, restart, logoff) Laughing

The best non-key feature of any car I have ever had is the keypad on my explorer. I plan to put one of those on my coach when I get everything else done.


-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89260 is a reply to message #89256] Sat, 19 June 2010 19:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
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Registered: February 2004
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Senior Member
Chr$ wrote on Sat, 19 June 2010 17:15

... The best non-key feature of any car I have ever had is the keypad on my explorer. I plan to put one of those on my coach when I get everything else done.


Like this?

<http://gmc.dwinchester.com/KeyPadKeylessEntry/KeylessEntry.html>

Note that this is not my coach. (Dan does good work.) I did pick up the parts for a keypad from the pick-a-part -- but haven't done anything with them... yet. (Story of my life.)

IIRC, Kelvin also has a keypad -- installed.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89269 is a reply to message #89260] Sat, 19 June 2010 21:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kelvin is currently offline  kelvin   United States
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Mike Miller wrote:
>
> Chr$ wrote on Sat, 19 June 2010 17&#58;15
>> ... The best non-key feature of any car I have ever had is the keypad on my explorer. I plan to put one of those on my coach when I get everything else done.
>
>
> Like this?
>
> <http://gmc.dwinchester.com/KeyPadKeylessEntry/KeylessEntry.html>
>
> Note that this is not my coach. (Dan does good work.) I did pick up the parts for a keypad from the pick-a-part -- but haven't done anything with them... yet. (Story of my life.)
>
> IIRC, Kelvin also has a keypad -- installed.

I do indeed. Very handy addition top the GMC.

Many thanks to Dan for the How-To.

The keys are stowed away in the motorhome and you just push two buttons
to lock it and the right combination (which you can program) to unlock.

No idea what this has to do with GMC cranking, though...

Kelvin


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Re: [GMCnet] Improve GMC cranking -- for free-- [message #89290 is a reply to message #89269] Sun, 20 June 2010 07:38 Go to previous message
mike miller   United States
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Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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Senior Member
Kelvin Dietz wrote on Sat, 19 June 2010 19:00


> ... IIRC, Kelvin also has a keypad -- installed.
I do indeed. Very handy addition top the GMC.
<< snipped >>
No idea what this has to do with GMC cranking, though...



Simple. ... First it was about improving starter wiring, then boost switches, then ignition switches, then starter buttons and the lack of keys... on then to the keypad on the door.

You didn't follow all that? Twisted Evil

Subject creep or drift. Not QUITE as bad as thread highjacking.

If anyone wants to discuss the keypads, mybe it is time to start a new thread. (For info: Dan's web site shows a newer (and better) type than the Ford one I picked up.)


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
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