I replaced the starter of our recently puchased 94' GMC DIESEL 2500 4x4truck. Everything seemed fine for the first day or so..... then I experienced a dead start?
I turned the key on as usually and waited the 5-6 seconds for the 'glow worms'. (fan/radio/dash lights all work at this point) then I turn the key over and all I hear is a clickin' sound..... I wait 30 seconds or so and try again. This time the starter engages and the diesel starts it's chime !
This only happens every 8-10 starts. Is the solenoid defunct on my new dixie electric starter?... is there a short?.... is there a relay switch I may have to replace?

This is my first diesel. Me and the family are 'stoked' to have this as a 'new addition' to our family of 6 to say the least! :RockOn:

I am new to this site and any help would be appreciated.

p.s. There are two(2) 850 cold crank amp batteries under the hood.

Rob :driver:

Did you install the starter with the rear starter bracket back on it. The rear starter bracket is actually towards the front of the truck.

It is a little bit difficult to put back so some people did not put it back on there and it causes a lot of trouble without it.

thanks for your reply...

I put the rear starter bracket back on with the new starter. It was a challenge to do it.
Checked all the wires today after work and cleaned the terminals.
Everything is tight and polished.

Same problem.....

Do you know if dixie electric is a quality name? The starter was 245CDN and was the cheapest I could find on my price shop.

Damn, the GM dealer wanted 498CDN:rolleyes:

Maybe try RockAuto.com for parts. There are two starters available , one with reduction gear.

Sounds like you have a bad battery cable or ground connection , or maybe check alternator for fusible link lead (even ign switch?). Check battery voltages to keep eye on alternator.

The '94 electric wiring was changed in '95 , which was changed for '96 ; you may want a good wire diagram ... autodata or FSM/Helm manual.

Never assumed new parts to be good, also. If in doubt, test it again may be you get a bad one.

Sound like there may be a dead spot in the starter... I've gotten a bad starter before, it happens. Usually what your describing (in my experience) has been a bad wire or connection.