HELP...!!! w/ my '82 Chevy diesel

[EngineCo.1]

I've got a 6.2 diesel that I bought back in 2010. I drove it for a little bit til the batteries quit on me one day. Figured I'd just replace them when I could. Well, finally got around to replace them with brand new ones from Advanced Auto. Turned the key, held the glowplug switch for 10-15 sec. and nothing. It turned over the first crank and nothing after that. What could it be? Another thing; I did notice the cable from the battery to the, I suspect is the starter gets super hot. Is this normal or is this the possible problem? Thanks in advance!!!

[D13]

Hot cable = lots of current. Most likely the starter is gone.

[hatzie]

It's probably the starter. But before you abandon all hope...

It sat for 2 years with dead batteries. Corrosion will raise the resistance at battery cable connections. My CUCV had battery cable issues from sitting at the depot. It started with the NATO jump cable but the battery cables got HOT and the starter didn't always spin.

Unhook the grounds from the batteries and cover the batteries ground terminal or firmly tie the cable away from the battery.
Then unhook each battery cable connection and clean them with emery cloth or a brass brush to make sure they are making good contact.
Shoot each connection with your favorite corrosion inhibiting spray. I like Wurth HHS... Fluid Film works and there are other good ones. Don't use penetrating oils like PB-Blaster, Kroil, or WD-40 because they aren't corrosion inhibitors they dry up or wash off.

Worst case you replace the starter with good solid battery connections throughout the system.

[EngineCo.1]

Alrighty thanks! I really appreciate the responces!!! I'll check the terminals and take the starter out and see if that's it. Again, THANKS!

[zaccaglin]

Originally Posted by hatzie

It's probably the starter. But before you abandon all hope...

It sat for 2 years with dead batteries. Corrosion will raise the resistance at battery cable connections. My CUCV had battery cable issues from sitting at the depot. It started with the NATO jump cable but the battery cables got HOT and the starter didn't always spin.

Unhook the grounds from the batteries and cover the batteries ground terminal or firmly tie the cable away from the battery.
Then unhook each battery cable connection and clean them with emery cloth or a brass brush to make sure they are making good contact.
Shoot each connection with your favorite corrosion inhibiting spray. I like Wurth HHS... Fluid Film works and there are other good ones. Don't use penetrating oils like PB-Blaster, Kroil, or WD-40 because they aren't corrosion inhibitors they dry up or wash off.

Worst case you replace the starter with good solid battery connections throughout the system.

2nd everything he said. Another good way to clean the terminals besides a brass brush or emery cloth would be a dremel with a sanding wheel on a low setting. As for a corrosion inhibiting compound i would recommend Dow Corning 4 Link. I use it for all my electrical connections, terminals and bulb sockets. It is pricey, but it lasts forever, and goes along way. Ive had the same tube for 4 years and only 1/4 of it is gone, use it all the time. Compare that to the little $3 packets of bulb or terminal grease that autozone tries to push on you every time you buy a dang turn signal bulb.