lappir Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 For the second time since I've owned my truck I have had to Tighten the power cable to the starter.Anyone else have that issue on a Volo 12 liter? Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exile Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 Make sure there is a lock washer in the right place. I'e had problems with that on electrical studs before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big5er Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 Never had any issues with my D12, Rod. Maybe a bit of loctite? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lappir Posted September 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 There was no lock washer. I did apply some loctite today and am hoping it will resolve the problem. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beyerjf Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 There are 2 nuts on the starter stud. The one closest to the case holds the stud in the center of the insulator and when the starter is assembled should be tightened to torque spec. The starter cable goes on, then a lock washer, then the top nut. The final tightening has to be done with the 2 nuts with an open end wrench holding the one closest to the case. The problem is it is hard to get to, and a lot of open end wrenches are too thick to fit. There are wrenches for the purpose. But most lazy mechanics just tighten the outer nut without holding the lower one, and it spins the stud and doesn't get tightened properly. It can also create problems internally if the stud is turned too much. Can happen with any starter, car or truck, any size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 Jeff's right on that one. I've replaced starters that had the stud ruined by incorrect tightening. A "star" washer works better than a regular lock washer in this application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lappir Posted September 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 Thanks for the latest two comments. I did not know about the tightening sequence, but understand the concept. I did not "over tighten" so hopefully no "Stud" issues. Will see about the second wrench if my locktite gives up and will obtain a star washer too. Thought when I had the starter replaced I would never have to worry about it again. The word should maybe needs to proceed never in most cases. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 Heat cycles of dis-similar metals cause electrical connections to loosen with use. Check cables as well as grounds occasionally. Personally, I wouldn't use a thread locking compound on an electrical connector. Why ad an insulator? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 I would also check all the grounds. If you have a weak connection anywhere in system, it will cause the wires to heat up. They expand and when cool loosen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSoul Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 I had this happen recently on my Cummins. Couple that with a weak battery and I was beginning to question my technical ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronbo Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 If the stud is long enough you can put a second nut on first and tighten it against the bottom nut. Just holding the bottom nut will not prevent the stud from turning. Adding a second nut will prevent turning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lappir Posted September 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2016 Heat cycles of dis-similar metals cause electrical connections to loosen with use. Check cables as well as grounds occasionally. Personally, I wouldn't use a thread locking compound on an electrical connector. Why ad an insulator? Thanks, Put the locktite in the nut before putting it on the stud so not much should have gotten back where the wires connect. and none on the contact surface of the nut to the wires. Not sure if I have enough threads to add the extra nut but may look at that. So far the truck has started every time I have asked since the no start episode. Have a few more days of work with it so it will be started at least every week or two before heading South at the end of October. It will sit in the same place there for several months though. Will scout the area for a good mobile truck mechanic "Before" I may need one. Anyone have experience in the Tallahassee area for a Mobile guy? Thanks, Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkennell Posted September 19, 2016 Report Share Posted September 19, 2016 Dissimilar metals. I've been told that the very common "compression screw" type lugs in a AC Breaker panel are supposed to be retorqued yearly because of that. I don't know of ANYBODY that turns off th e AC at the pole and goes thru all the lugs on their house wiring. (Would it reduce the # of hose fires more than the increase in electrocutions by those who didn't quite get the idea....??? ) The point is that any electrical connection can loosen over time. I've had tractors where retorquing the starter cable is a yearly check item. Not uncommon. I don't like normal lock washers for this--I far prefer to use a "belleville" spring washer. That pretty much eliminates the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted September 20, 2016 Report Share Posted September 20, 2016 I've watched more than one electrician check every lug in a breaker box while he was there. It's amazing how many were a little loose. I had one tractor that has one terminal on one battery that required tightening every time it got it's "annual". It require removing a body panel from the cab. What a pita. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyretired Posted September 20, 2016 Report Share Posted September 20, 2016 Dissimilar metals subject to temperature swings are always a problem. On one of our projects we used stainless screws into brass. Even Loctite failed to hold the screws tight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtgeodog Posted September 21, 2016 Report Share Posted September 21, 2016 I made thhe mistake once of screwing a BRASS plug into a STEEL exhaust header. It was very noisy when it blew out pulling a long hill. Six years after installing a Steel plug the hole is still filled. ShortyO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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