Military 6.2

Charlie Kleman · Feb 25, 2020

Recently bought a military K5 with the 6.2 diesel, I know some of the parts are different from the civilian version. Does anyone know a part number for the alternators and or glow plug relay? None of the ones I’ve found make any designation between the military and civilian models. Thanks for any input!

SDJunkMan · Feb 25, 2020

I am pretty sure the alternators are not the same, they have an isolated ground to enable the 24 Volt system. The glow plug relay is also originally 24 volt. Many have been swapped over to 12 volt. I will see if I can find some part numbers for you.

SDJunkMan · Feb 25, 2020

It looks like the left alternator can be replaced with a civilian alternator, but the right has to have an isolated ground. A 84 Eldorado alternator is supposed to be the same, but it needs to be modified to an isolated ground if used on the right side. Might be better off having yours rebuilt if it's the right one that needs to be replaced. That is if you have a local shop that still rebuilds alternators.

Charlie Kleman · Feb 25, 2020

SDJunkMan said:
It looks like the left alternator can be replaced with a civilian alternator, but the right has to have an isolated ground. A 84 Eldorado alternator is supposed to be the same, but it needs to be modified to an isolated ground if used on the right side. Might be better off having yours rebuilt if it's the right one that needs to be replaced. That is if you have a local shop that still rebuilds alternators.

It is the right one that needs replaced, I didn’t look much into it but I had read somewhere that people had a lot of issues after converting to 12volt

Charlie Kleman · Feb 25, 2020

looks like this would be the one I need I believe

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SDJunkMan · Feb 25, 2020

They supposedly put isolated ground alternators in both positions so you may have one on the left that you can move to the right then use a standard alternator on the left.

Mine still has the stock wiring, just had the starter rebuilt, so will probably stay with the 24 volt system. I may change my glow plugs to 12 volts though, have to read more about it first before I decide.

AuroraGirl · Feb 29, 2020

with batteries of better cca, ca, reserve capacity, and just overally AH, I think a modern 12volt glow plug system will dominate a 24volt glow plug from the early 1980s. I mean, I know the higher the voltage the less thick wires over distance etc needed, and potential for more current. But just guessing a good, solid battery would kick butt. If you want my recommendation of battery, try northstar batteries. 300 dollars for a 34 group size, but WOW does that battery kick butt and crank a starter forever(if needed). Deep cycle ability while giving about 1000 CCA.

75gmck25 · Feb 29, 2020

The US Military has used a 24 volt system for many years in tactical vehicles. AFAIK, the CUCV trucks have a 24 volt system so they can power military radios installed in the vehicles, not because it made the ignition system any better.

The CUCV was one of the first attempts to save money by using a slightly modified civilian vehicle instead of military-unique vehicles. When we got new CUCVs in about 1984 we had a lot of glow plug problems that had to be fixed under warranty. It was kind of weird because our mechanics could not attempt repairs, and we had to have someone drive or tow them to the dealership.

Bruce

AuroraGirl · Mar 1, 2020

75gmck25 said:
The US Military has used a 24 volt system for many years in tactical vehicles. AFAIK, the CUCV trucks have a 24 volt system so they can power military radios installed in the vehicles, not because it made the ignition system any better.

The CUCV was one of the first attempts to save money by using a slightly modified civilian vehicle instead of military-unique vehicles. When we got new CUCVs in about 1984 we had a lot of glow plug problems that had to be fixed under warranty. It was kind of weird because our mechanics could not attempt repairs, and we had to have someone drive or tow them to the dealership.

Bruce

That makes sense. But do they not run 24 volts to the glow plug? Or perhaps ran 24 volts to them since the system was already going to be in the vehicle, that extra boost could be utilized to start them.

Military 6.2

Charlie Kleman

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