88GMCtruck's 99 6.5L Towpig slow build.

[tanman_2006]

Mine has been completly gutted and remodeled with 2 recliners and a desk but I can probably sleep 4-5 people if they sleep in the chairs and floor. It is great for living out of for school but I need a small trailer I can pull with any of my trucks to fields when I have hay cutting/baling jobs 60 miles from home.

 

[HighSierra86]

Couldnt help but notice.....Wasnt there just two feet of snow on the ground there??

 

[mangus580]

Couldnt help but notice.....Wasnt there just two feet of snow on the ground there??

Yeah, I thought that odd too!

 

[trouttrooper]

we had a weird late winter. Just about all snow melted except the real high country, then a couple weeks ago temps went from 50 to -10 within a few days and we were pounded with snow. Now we are back in the melting stage again....hopefully for good this season.

 

[88gmctruck]

Exactly what Mike said. I measured 29.5" at my place once it had all fallen, and within about 24 hours we were down to about 4" of wet melty slushy snow.

-------------------------

Man, I'm starting to think this truck's build is anything but slow. Although, the mods will be slowing down as play funds are about out... BUT, i did a few more things today.

Airbag (which is just there to complete the wheel) came in today.

Spent about 2 hours taking the switched apart, as every backlight in them was burnt out but lucky me, I was able to scavenge enough bulbs to replace them all I then proceeded to build a wiring harness for it, that will tie in at the radio plug.

Thinking ahead, I decided to also build a harness for the overhead compass temp unit, since it ties into the stereo as well. Then, it kept snowballing. Since i was up there wiring the console, I decided it was time to wire in the homelink, then a pigtail for an autodim mirror.

I topped it all off with modifying the map lights in the console to be independently switched, and both turn on with the dome lamps.

What I ended up with. Just have to install it all, make 7 connections at the radio and run 1 wire to the grille for a temp sensor Everything was ran with factory colors, with metripak connectors and even with wire from a gm harness.

 

[trouttrooper]

Ya, I spent 3 hours behind the snowblower after the last storm. By that evening almost all the snow had melted. What a stinking waste of time, gas, and wear on my snowblower. If I knew it was going to do that I would have just sat inside and watched a movie or something. Schools were closed so I really couldn't go to work with kids at home.

 

[88gmctruck]

MOAR UPDATES!

Pulled the steeringwheel. Here it is compared to an airbag wheel.

Taking the column apart.

Installing the clockspring

Wheel installed, left he airbag wires intact but dis-connected.

Then ran the wiring for the OH console (autodim mirror, compass/temp, Homelink and domelights.)

Console back together, compass/temp unit will get in this weekend.

Wiring everything into the radio, since it has all the functions for both the OH console and steering wheel audio controls

And, all done and working I enjoy this steeringwheel much better.

And just because, shots of the towing mirrors from the driver's position.

 

[1999gmc]

So your temp/compass isn't in the overhead console? I had a 2004 S10 Blazer in today and it had the temp/compass in the O/H console and I was thinking about trying to find one with the instant MPG and wire that into mine. But I will have to see if the fuel sending units are the same resistance. Because I think you need VSS and fuel level for it to compute the MPG. The reason I want to go with the O/H console temp/compass it because I have a 7" monitor for my backup cameras on my rear view mirror, so it covers up the stock mirror.

 

[88gmctruck]

No, i'm using the basic unit from an S-10 (in the OH console), I just haven't yet traded it to a friend who has it (will this weekend). The parts console I got had the mileage computer but they aren't compatible with the 6.5L computer, it just shows 99 for everything for 30 seconds then turns itself off. I"m trading that one for the basic compass temp unit.

 

[Ed HD]

Just read this whole thread, and I'm amazed at your work David. Don't let your parents get you too down, they just want what's best and see you having 3 trucks being a bit much. This thread really has me lusting after a truck like yours, except ECSB. Ugh, lol.

 

[88gmctruck]

I'll have to start this off with saying it was quite possibly the most horrible, frustrating and disappointing end of week/weekend I think I have ever had.

Thursday
Was very tired, due to a long night after winning at darts followed by homework and studying. I spent the day at work and studying when I had time. Took my physics exam and had my a** handed to me. Disappointed, I went home and got things ready for camping while it was still light outside. Upon cleaning and de-winterizing the trailer, I found that it had been leaking in the back corner, and the plywood is soaked and molding. Slightly agitated. After that was said and done, I began studying once again for two exams Friday morning.

Friday
Around 2am I stopped studying, and while my mind was mush I was wired and not sleepy at all. So I headed down to the river with Devin for a bit of venting/BSing. Ended up getting home around 5am, slept 2 hours then went to class and rocked both tests. Stopped and filled the 99 up with #2 at 3.95/gallon and finished packing for the trip. Here is where things went awry.

I'm just backing the truck up to the trailer, and the maintenance guy come to do their semi-annual inspection on the house. I meet him in the driveway and ask if he's here for the inspection, and tell him I will put the dog outside (so he's not bothering him during it). So, I go to get inside, and without any warning Diesel (my dog) wedges himself in the jamb, flings the door open and bolts towards the guy. I'm right behind him, as he grabs the guy's forearm, and within a second I get him off and back into the house. Immediately I go to the guy, apologetic and help him get his sweatshirt off. His arm is already bruising, and has two punctures in it. I ask him if he wants anything, and am apologizing like a madman. I get him a towel and he tells me it's fine, he's not upset, etc. So we get the other maintenance guy (who's nextdoor) and he goes to the hospital.

So, at this point I'm freaking out myself. Diesel knows something is wrong as he is hiding in the corner of the room. I sit down awhile, and process what just happened. He has never been aggressive to anyone in the past. He's always barked when people come up to the door or in the driveway, so I'm not entirely sure what prompted something like this. Once I get my bearings about me, I call the rental director and she's just as surprised as I am, as she knows the dog and has seen him since he was a puppy.

So, I finish hooking the trailer up, etc, and do a few things inside. I go outside to start the truck and leave, and the Sheriff was just about to knock on my door. He came over to ask me what happened, I explained. I tell him that I have decided that as much as I love my dog I'm not morally able to keep him now. He understands, and tells me that he will not be filing criminal charges against me and has ruled this an accident. I'm relived of this seeing as had he filed charges, it would have been a class C felony. He also informs me that my dog is now considered a "dangerous dog" and there is insurance and a bunch of laws on how he is supposed to be crated/restrained literally all the time. I thank him for everything, and he leaves.

So, I get the truck warmed up, and hit the road for a very long overdue camping trip, and the first trip with the towpig. Get out of town to the highway and am enjoying everything, it's warm and sunny, cruise is set at 65. The truck is towing great, plenty of oomph to get it up hills. About 30 miles into my drive I'm cresting a hill and the truck gains speed. So I tap the brakes to kill the cruise control. Nothing. At this point I'm doing about 75MPH and it's wanting to climb. So, I flick the cruise switch off, still nothing. I press the clutch in, and the truck instantly shoots from around 2,000 RPMs to about 3,500 RPMs, and would have kept going had I not released the clutch. I think WTF, the electronic throttle failed on me.. try pressing it down, nothing still. The Service Throttle Soon light is not on either. So I hit the brakes to slow me down as I'm doing a good 85MPH at this point. I decided I'm obviously going to find a place to pull off the road. So riding the brakes, I at this point turn my attention away from the IP cluster and towards the roadside, and notice in my passenger mirror the truck is billowing black, thick smoke. I'm trying to think whats going on, and determine SOMETHING is dumping fuel into the motor as it's still trying to climb in speed and has plenty of pull to it. After a mile or so, I find a nice, large area, turn the key off and roll into it.

I try starting the truck again, instant rev. I disconnect the throttle and pull the cruise fuse, try it, instant rev. The exhaust side of the turbo is cooking, I check the fluids and everything is still normal. So I gave Devin a call. He does a few keyboard clicks and tells me there is a D-tech PMD issue with runaways, and a possible sticking in the IP pump. So, seeing as I have a spare PMD already, I decide that is the first course of action.... but no, the PMD didn't make it into the toolbag. I ask Devin if he could bring me the PMD and is it didn't work, tow the trailer back to the house. He says ok.

While waiting for him, a CCLB duramax with a Bradford flatbed pulls up. I walk over, and greet the guy. I ask if it's his property and he says yes, and I explain what was going on. I tell him what I checked and he agrees that it's the PMD or IP pump. I ask if leaving the truck there would be ok if I can't get it running and he says it's fine. He asks if i have tools, I said yea, he says if I need anything the shop is over there and feel free. I tell him the trailer would be gone at the least, and I'd have to do a bit of searching to get a trailer to tow the truck back on. He says, well, here is my number, If you need a trailer you can borrow mine. I thank him and he's on his way. I shoot Devin a text and tell him I obtained use of a trailer if needed. Little time goes by, and he shows driving his 83 and his friend Krystal driving his 07, just in case we need to tow it. We swap on the PMD, and it fires right up normally. Thank Devin and Krystal and give him some money for fuel.

So, On the road about 2 hours later than I wanted. Whatever. I have no issues at all the rest of the trip, and make it to the dunes in the dark. Truck pulled great, and the temp only increased slightly when pulling longer hills. It ran at about 185 on the flat and 195 up hills. Friday night was ensued by a fire and drinking.

Saturday
Had a lazy day, installed the compass/temp unit into the OH console. Nothing exciting to report, except the pictures of camping.

Sunday
We end up cutting the trip short, since one of the guys with us started getting a fever. So, we head back.

Truck is again doing fine. Towing great, even through the hills, etc. About half way home, going down a hill, the low coolant light flickers. A mile or two later, it comes on and stays on. So, I pull over. I've noticed the truck using coolant, and it used another full reservoir in about 400-500 miles or so. I fill it up, and check again to find the oil is still oil, there is no abnormal moisture under the oil cap, etc. So, again I'm on my way, and make it home. Mind you there has been no signs of either oil or antifreeze mixing, no white smoke and the upper rad. hose doesn't get hard until the truck runs a good 10+ minutes.

Now, I'm going to first try the GM sealant tablets to see if it stops or slows the coolant loss, otherwise I'm thinking a new pair of headgaskets are in order.

So there it is. I was just wondering all weekend, what is going to happen next. I haven't had such a more frustrating string of events in a long time.

 

[83GMCK2500]

Glad I could be there to help when needed. Sorry about the rest of it.

 

[Burning oil]

David, is your PMD a Dtech?

 

[88gmctruck]

I'm 99.9% sure the one that came on the truck was a D-tech. It's the same shape as one, but the lettering on it is long gone and it's just a black box. The spare I had is a black Stanadyne.

Leroy, do you know if D-tech is doing anything about the runaway ones? It seems like it could be a huge liability on their end. Had I not had the trailer it would have sped up WAY too fast.

 

[Burning oil]

I am not buying anymore FS, Dtech, Wellman, Dorman type PMDs any longer because of this issue. Until they fix the problem they won't get my business. Only buying the new Stanadyne at this point.
I can only tell you to call Dtech and see if they will do anything for you.

 

[Ed HD]

That sucks about everything David.

Are you going to give the dog away or have him put down? I know it's extremely hard to do, but I agree that you cannot in good conscience keep him anymore.

 

[great white]

Bummer, that old girl isn't treating you very nice lately....

 

[handcannon]

Bummer way to start a weekend!! Glad it worked out in the end for you.

Thanks for the pics of the mirrors. I like that you can see the side of the trailer, both sides. My mirrors aren't installed yet, but I have the loom, with diodes, complete now except for the switch for the heat. I'm working on the heat, but the stock switch I picked up is not working. I have power to the coil inside the switch and it will try to energize then chatter and not hold, a ground problem I'm thinking. I'm electronically challenged so I mess with it for a while, then set it down and let things simmer in my head while I do something else.

Don

 

[1999gmc]

Sorry to hear about the dog. That has got to be a tough decision. When I was younger I had an Alaskan Malamute who was great with people but was animal aggressive. And one day a friends younger brother came over and Blitz(my dog) went nuts and bit him on the butte. I still don't know what set him off but he disliked everyone in that family. Blitz never barked, not even at the UPS guy, but he would go nuts every time anyone from that family came to our house.

 

[88gmctruck]

That sucks about everything David.

Are you going to give the dog away or have him put down? I know it's extremely hard to do, but I agree that you cannot in good conscience keep him anymore.

I'm going to try adopting him out first, I really would hate to see him put down.

Bummer, that old girl isn't treating you very nice lately....

Nope. To top things off, my passlock is acting up AGAIN. Not a stranded, but I've had to do the 10-min wait twice today. I think you and I will be in contact about that de-passlocked PCM you have.

Bummer way to start a weekend!! Glad it worked out in the end for you.

Thanks for the pics of the mirrors. I like that you can see the side of the trailer, both sides. My mirrors aren't installed yet, but I have the loom, with diodes, complete now except for the switch for the heat. I'm working on the heat, but the stock switch I picked up is not working. I have power to the coil inside the switch and it will try to energize then chatter and not hold, a ground problem I'm thinking. I'm electronically challenged so I mess with it for a while, then set it down and let things simmer in my head while I do something else.

Don

I'm sure you'll figure it out. I just wired my heat directly to a toggle in the 88, and haven't hooked it up in the 99 yet.

Sorry to hear about the dog. That has got to be a tough decision. When I was younger I had an Alaskan Malamute who was great with people but was animal aggressive. And one day a friends younger brother came over and Blitz(my dog) went nuts and bit him on the butte. I still don't know what set him off but he disliked everyone in that family. Blitz never barked, not even at the UPS guy, but he would go nuts every time anyone from that family came to our house.

Yeah, my dog barks at people but never shown aggression like this. I've heard and believe that dogs can sense things we can't, who knows.