Kenworth problems

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by loaderman05, Mar 27, 2015.

  1. loaderman05

    loaderman05 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 27, 2015
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    I have purchased a 84 Kenworth w900 and having problems getting the thing to turn over much less start.Bought new batteries new parallel switch two new circuit breakers and had the starter rebuilt.I can unhook the positive wire on the bottom of the parallel switch and the the thing acts like it wants to start but it acts like its not getting enough voltage.The truck has a 24v starter which the cab is supposed to broke down to 12v.When I try to start it with the positive wire on the bottom of the parallel switch all the parallel switch does is click.The voltage gauge in the truck is also pegging out past 16.I have a wiring diagram on the truck and have traced all the wires and all seems to be right.My question is I know the truck came with 4 6v batteries and now I am using 2 12v batteries and running them in 24v sequence but, in my wiring diagram on this truck it shows the four batteries two for parallel and two for the cab.My question is do I need the 4 6v batteries to make this thing start or what?Any help would be greatly appreciated I am at my ropes end.
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2015
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  3. Arkansas

    Arkansas Medium Load Member

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    Dec 20, 2014
    LA- Lower Arkansas
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    It sounds like your not getting a good ground somewhere.
     
  4. bubbanbrenda

    bubbanbrenda Road Train Member

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    Feb 27, 2011
    Middletown,Oh.
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    Without standing there looking at it and not able to see how it was set up with 4-6's, my WAG would be that if you have the batteries wired in parallel and are putting 24 volts into both sides of the parallel switch then you will have 48 volts coming out of parallel switch, and 24 volts going to cab(why you are pegging your volt meter 24 is higher than 16). Assuming you haven't burnt everything up, try 12 into each side of the parallel switch, that should give you 24 coming out and 12 to the cab. Also don't forget about the alternator/generator, you're going to need one that makes 12 volts, charging 12 volt batteries with a 6 volt alternator isn't going to work very long if at all. IMO the reason for 4 6's was to increase power storage capacity, trying to operate a truck on 2 12's is going to be very disappointing in the colder months, again just my opinion. There are several very good reasons why trucks built after 1984 have 3-4 12 volt batteries. I'm just sayin'....
     
  5. SmokinCAT

    SmokinCAT Road Train Member

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    Oct 20, 2010
    Hillsboro, OH./ Adrian, MI
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    Convert the thing to 12 volt start, have done both my 79s and it is much more simpler.
     
  6. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    Aug 26, 2014
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    Loaderman05 SmokenCat is correct there is a better way however it is difficult to replace everything you just bought. I believe your major problem is the battery wiring. Kw used two 6's on each side wired in series making 12V on each side. The parallel switch connected the 12's from each side in series making 24V while cranking direct to the starter. Then connected both sides in parallel, 12V when the starter is disengaged. Two 12V on one side in series, 24V, won't work and hopefully has not hurt much but the alt. is surely gone. Not saying it's correct but you can have 2-6V in series on one side and 1 12V or 2-12V in parallel on the other side or 2-12V in parallel on each side and it should start.
     
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