Military Vehicle Repair: CUCV M1009 Starter Problem, starter solenoid, google search

Question
Van,

I notice that you're an expert on these. I have an M1009 1984 CUCV. I had the 24v Starter rebuilt about 1.5 yrs. ago. It was running fine and then the other day I went to start it and all I get is a click sound from the dash. Starter won't even crank. I checked the Voltage and its good.

Any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Brian,
What you are hearing under the dash is a relay. It is operated by the key switch, and is operated by 12 Volts. But it switches 24 volts, and when closed, the wire fed by the relay carries 24 volts directly to the small terminal on the starter solenoid.
Of course it needs to pass through the firewall first, and I have had some problems where all the wires pass through that firewall. The connections get green and corroded, especially if it has been overseas.
I have also replaced some of those relays. But check it with a meter first.
There are four wires to that relay.
One is a ground.
One gets 12 volts when the key is turned to start.
One has 24 volts always.
One gets 24 volts when the key is turned to start.

It is very possible to have the relay click, but no 24 volts present. A fuse in the fuse block if I remember correctly, just about in the center of the fuse block. Don't hold me to that.

Occasionally, just wiggling the connector at that relay will work. But start there with your meter.
A test light would also work, but you need one with a 24 volt bulb, or it will flash just once when the 24 hits it.

I realize it is almost impossible to get to the wires on the starter, but you could also measure voltage there. Some of my 1008's have a wire you can actually unplug hanging beside the starter. Purple wire I am thinking, that operates the solenoid.

Anyway, that wire to the small terminal on the solenoid should have 24 volts when the key is turned to start. If it does, then you could have either a solenoid, or starter problem.

A source for parts for that truck is Memphis Equipment. Do a Google search for memphisequipment.com  I am pretty sure that is the address.

Oh, and by the way....almost everything on that truck is stock GM 12 volt.

Van