The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 55.2 Wire diagram

It looks like it shows a foot type starter, since other than the resistor by pass wire, all the other wires to it connect at the battery post.
Secondly the key switch would only be on or off for the ignition function.
So why does it show the resistor by pass going to the key switch?
My friends rewired 55 has no resistor by pass connected, and this is likely why.

The models with v-8 engines had a key turn starter with the resister bypass in the selenoid. The 6 cyl. with the floor starter had the bypass in the switch on top of the starter.

George

1955.2 GMC 1/2 ton trucks had 6 volt systems IF they had 6 cylinder engines. All 55.2 V8 equipped trucks were 12v.

When did 1/2 ton Chevy trucks convert to 12v?

Truckolet: Could you post a detailed picture of the wiring diagram?

Yeah I've known that for about ah ah ah 55 plus years now !

Here is the diagram. By pass to the key switch.

I don't know when. But all Chev's had 12 volt in 1955.

I'm making a couple of assumptions based on previous 12v GM points ignition systems wiring, but I have no specific experience with 55.2 Chevy truck wiring. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

Assumption 1 is that the IGN 1 (run) terminal on the ignition switch does not have an internal to the switch connection to IGN 2 (start) on the switch. Most GM switches do not.
Assumption 2 is that the side terminal on the stomp switch connects to the battery cable terminal of the switch when the switch is activated.
Assumption 3 is that your truck is a 3600, 4000 or 6000 series truck as that is what the wiring diagram is for.


I read the wiring diagram this way:
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As drawn, a 20 ga violet wire (marked "resistor bypass") runs from the stomp switch (should be the side terminal, doesn't say) to the IGN 2 terminal (marked "start") on the ignition switch. This wire has no other connections. As drawn, that wire would do no useful work.

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As drawn, a 20 ga dark green wire runs from the ign1 terminal on the ignition switch (this should be the "run" position on the switch, but is not marked) to coil+ WITHOUT GOING THROUGH ANY
RESISTOR. I believe it should go through a "ballast resistor", reducing available current and voltage available to the coil.

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As drawn, a 20 ga brown wire runs from an ACCessory terminal of the ignition switch to what may be a "ballast resistor". The other side of this resistor connects to coil+.

IF the ignition switch has a separate ACCessory position (Truckolet implies it doesn't, but I'm not sure), that would allow starting the truck with the stomp starter when the key was in the ACC position. I really doubt this is how this circuit should be wired.

As drawn, when the key is turned to the "run" position the ACC terminal would be providing 12v through the 20 ga brown wire to one side of the "ballast resistor". The resistor could be used to provide reduced voltage and current through the resistor EXCEPT FOR THE FACT that the other side of the resistor is already connected to 12v via the 20 ga dark green wire coming from the IGN 1 terminal on the ignition switch. This renders the ballast resistor useless AS DRAWN.

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Questions:

Was a key-start (ie. with a solenoid on the starter motor) offered as an option on six cylinder 55.2 Chevy trucks? Maybe with Hydra-Matic transmissions?

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Conclusions:

If the ignition switch does have a "start" position it should:
a. have a wire that runs from IGN 1 to one side of the ballast resistor
b. have a wire that runs from the other side of the ballast resistor to coil +
c. have a wire that runs from IGN 2 to coil +

If the ignition switch does NOT have a "start" position it should:
a. have a wire that runs from IGN 1 to one side of the ballast resistor
b. have a wire that runs from the other side of the ballast resistor to coil +
c. have a wire that runs from the side terminal on the stomp switch to coil +

Bill,
The 55.1 were 6v and 55.2 12v.

Thanks Evan. How's the Fireball8 running?

The variables that exist with 55.2-59 truck ignition prevent a direct answer to the questions here. Too many general questions.
There is:
1. Foot start wiring.
2. Solenoid wiring.
3. Two types of solenoids.
4. Two types of original Ignition switches.
5. Aftermarket ignition switches. Two basic types.
6. Owner wiring.
7. HEI and Pertronics

For light trucks, they have foot start for 6 cyl and solenoid for V8. I believe automatic trans had solenoid.
All are 12V and all have a resistor mounted on the firewall.
Some cars had the first shot at resistance wire. Later used on trucks in 1960-up.

So if someone has a specific question for a specific set up. I can answer.

The word "bypass" means: "bypass the points protection resistance device during start mode". There were several methods used to do this. This also leads to confusion. Then when non original ignition system is used, more confusion.

If the terminal (key switch) was hot all the time, then according to the diagram, the resistor would be in by pass all the time.
The diagram is showing 2 switches in series. Total nonsense.
All that has to be done is run the starter R bypass switch to the coil, or to the resistor (the coil side). There is no reason to run it to the key switch.
Even with the V-8 or the 6 cylinder starter with solenoid actuation, the R terminal wire on solenoid to the same locations I mentioned.
Never does it have a need to go to the key switch.
The diagram is messed up. And so is the harness the friend installed. I did the continuity checks on it, and with key switch on and off, there is no bypass.

But the questions that Truckolet posed and the diagram he provided is specifically six cylinder Chevrolet as supplied by Chevy. So your items number 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and maybe 4 do not apply.

My point is that the ballast resistor portion of the wiring diagram supplied would not work as it should as it is drawn in the supplied diagram.

To Truckolet and to Bill. You are asking questions by looking at the diagram and trying to make sense of it and also wire up someone's truck. So I will try again.
They may be showing two ways to wire on the same diagram. I can not defend the diagram. I do know how to wire various components used together.
If you want to know how to wire a SPECIFIC set of components. TELL ME what they are.

Some solenoids have an "R" terminal. Some early one's DID NOT. wiring will be different.
There are several iterations of ignition switches. Need to see a pic of the terminals or describe the terminals.
After I know what you or friend has EXACLTY, we can wire it.... and then explain wires you see on the diagram after that. It will then make total sense.

Other than trying to show more than one system on one diagram. I don't see anything "wrong" with the diagram.

There is no such thing as the items on my list "not applying". It is simply a list of possible scenarios which need to be concidered when discussing the ignition wiring and the diagram. I call then variables.

During the time Chevy came with 12V and V8 at the same time, the so called electrical engineers where, themselves, mixed up and kept changing things in TF years.

From what the documents say. Forward control, 3700, 3900, and automatic trans had 3 position switches. Solenoid.
All others had 2 position by "foot start" or "depress starter" or "foot pedal" or "push button". All terms used 55.2-59.
In 1959 they say V8 had solenoid starter. One of the original GM switches is called the "V8 Switch" by some bolters. (spring loaded, IGN 1, IGN 2, BAT, START, ACC)

A specific TF truck or any trucks starting system is usually not totally original anymore due to some switches not available, changes made to starters and overall ignition by PO. So then you adapt to your components while maintaining point protection, bypass and using what switch you have. I.E. Spring loaded, 3 pos, 2 pos, pedal, push button.

I'm sorry to have just answered your question about that particular wiring diagram Truckolet, and agree with you that the diagram is as you say "Total nonsense".

To whom it may concern.
The diagram is correct and if used with the components contemplated within it, all will function correctly. Is is wrong to say otherwise. Anyone who does not understand the diagram should not call it total nonsense.
There is no argument here. If other components are used or new harnesses are used, the diagram will "seem" confusing. You will need to adapt to the components you have that are different than those shown in the diagram, but the diagram is not wrong. There are several ways to create the "bypass'". That is what the list was for, to show the possible variables when parts got changed over the years and GM changed some. None of this is difficult to understand or to wire up.
I think I have said this every which way but loose. I have provided a lot of information and history.

Here are some things that may help:
1. The starter shown has no "R" terminal.
2. I don't know what they meant by the words "resistor (by pass)". Pointing to the top of the starter. If we knew, it would make sense what they were trying to say.
3. My exact same diagram in my manual says MODELS 3000 4000 6000. It does not say: MODELS 3600 4000 6000. Something fishy there on the diagram posted.

Truckrolet: what is your question? As poor as a lot of the older wiring diagrams are, I am with Bartamos that this one seems fine.

One thing that you might be missing is that the violet 20ga wire is connected to the start terminal of the ignition switch (take a look at view A in the upper right).

Maybe I am misunderstanding what you are trying to ask.

I could wire the whole truck from scratch with no diagrams at all. So lets get that all cleared up. I also have an FCC license that was in the past required for working on aircraft radios.

For listed items above.
1 It has a special terminal on the main switch for the by pass. If it is a normal chev solenoid that has an R on it.
2 The words resistor bypass are just that, its to by pass the ballast resistor to give a full 12 volts to the coil for starting, A HOTTER SPARK for lack of better words. There is a special small terminal on the starter switch for that wire.
3 This is the same diagram in the 55 shop manual, and also in the special electric manual the friend has.

Truckrolet is not so much asking a question, he is pointing out a problem.

Fibonachu:

There is no reason to run a resistor bypass wire to the ignition switch. They likely meant for the wire to go to the solenoid S terminal for starters with a solenoid. The diagram is messed up, and would confuse a non electrical person.
To understand follow from the starter and trace the resistor by pass wire, and there is no start terminal on the key switch of a pedal start truck, you push the start pedal you don't turn the key.
That wire needs to go to + on the coil. Simple stuff here not too difficult to under stand.

This is for BILL. An FCC person can use it too.

I'm making a couple of assumptions based on previous 12v GM points ignition systems wiring, but I have no specific experience with 55.2 Chevy truck wiring. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

Assumption 1 is that the IGN 1 (run) terminal on the ignition switch does not have an internal to the switch connection to IGN 2 (start) on the switch. Most GM switches do not. Correct
Assumption 2 is that the side terminal on the stomp switch connects to the battery cable terminal of the switch when the switch is activated. Yes. BUT this diagram does not show a stomp switch that I can tell.
Assumption 3 is that your truck is a 3600, 4000 or 6000 series truck as that is what the wiring diagram is for. Wiring diagram has been "doctored", should say 3000 4000 6000


I read the wiring diagram this way:
------------------------------------------------------------
As drawn, a 20 ga violet wire (marked "resistor bypass") runs from the stomp switch (should be the side terminal, doesn't say) to the IGN 2 terminal (marked "start") on the ignition switch. This wire has no other connections. As drawn, that wire would do no useful work. NO. The VIO wire runs from IGN Start to the starter solenoid to activate it. I do not see an indication of foot start/side terminal shown. The words "Resistor (by pass)" don't mean what they say. I don't know what they meant. My advise is to ignore that. The diagram shows early solenoid with no "R" terminal. The bypass is done by the Ignition Switch.

------------------------------------------------------------
As drawn, a 20 ga dark green wire runs from the ign1 terminal on the ignition switch (this should be the "run" position on the switch, but is not marked) to coil+ WITHOUT GOING THROUGH ANY
RESISTOR. I believe it should go through a "ballast resistor", reducing available current and voltage available to the coil. NO. The wire shown is from IGN 2 and is "spliced" to coil and to ballast output side. IGN 2 and Start/Sol are tied together inside switch.
Brown is from ACC which is the same as IGN 1 which are both tied together internally as "IGN ON"..... AND IGN 1 and ACC are the same long terminal. VIEW A is poorly drawn. When switch is held at start position GRN/IGN 2 goes direct to coil. When start is released IGN 2 is dead and ballast is now powering coil.

------------------------------------------------------------
As drawn, a 20 ga brown wire runs from an ACCessory terminal of the ignition switch to what may be a "ballast resistor". The other side of this resistor connects to coil+.

IF the ignition switch has a separate ACCessory position (Truckolet implies it doesn't, but I'm not sure), that would allow starting the truck with the stomp starter when the key was in the ACC position. I really doubt this is how this circuit should be wired.

As drawn, when the key is turned to the "run" position the ACC terminal would be providing 12v through the 20 ga brown wire to one side of the "ballast resistor". The resistor could be used to provide reduced voltage and current through the resistor EXCEPT FOR THE FACT that the other side of the resistor is already connected to 12v via the 20 ga dark green wire coming from the IGN 1 terminal on the ignition switch. This renders the ballast resistor useless AS DRAWN. I ageree it looks like GRN is on IGN 1. It's not. Bad drafting and bad draftsman's location of terminal numbers. This is how the early switches were built. As I've said you have to wire newer switches to operate as needed. This switch is known as a 55-56 switch..

------------------------------------------------------------
Questions:

Was a key-start (ie. with a solenoid on the starter motor) offered as an option on six cylinder 55.2 Chevy trucks? Maybe with Hydra-Matic transmissions? I think I answered in a previous post.

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

Conclusions:

If the ignition switch does have a "start" position it should:
a. have a wire that runs from IGN 1 to one side of the ballast resistor
b. have a wire that runs from the other side of the ballast resistor to coil +
c. have a wire that runs from IGN 2 to coil +

If the ignition switch does NOT have a "start" position it should:
a. have a wire that runs from IGN 1 to one side of the ballast resistor
b. have a wire that runs from the other side of the ballast resistor to coil +
c. have a wire that runs from the side terminal on the stomp switch to coil +

55.2 with 6 cylinder, yes solenoid start with Hydramatic, I also think forward control as well. I don't think Taskforce LCF's had 6 cylinders, if so they would be solenoid too. The engine needs to be in the right position for the foot starter to fit.
The assembly manual has that info, haven't looked in awhile.


bartamos
Sir Searchalot

You are welcome. Read it a few times, It will clear up. I hope it helps someone. I only have about 2.5 hours in it. Trying to be thorough and clear. Especially when there was no "question" from some, just confusion and complaints. BUT...There were questions from others.

Here is how its supposed to be.

There was confusion about the wiring diagram for 55.2. You posted a picture of the diagram. You said it was wrong and remarks were made that the diagram was total nonsense. I explained it was not. Then said there are many ways to wire depending on components, like.... you know, a starter with an "R" terminal. Which that diagram does not have. I went over every question and assumption and explained it so anyone could understand that diagram... or ask questions about my explanation.
Instead of letting it go you post a pic from some unnamed source V8, no year and model, which shows a different set of components including a solenoid with an R terminal and say "this is how it's supposed to be". It's how what is supposed to be? It's not how the diagram is supposed to be because the diagram is the diagram. Should we all post a bunch of different ways to do 55.2-59 and say this is how it should be.

The diagram has an R terminal. 6 cylinder foot starters have an R terminal. The photo shows a starter with a solenoid. The solenoid has an R terminal and a S terminal.

Just look at the R wire path on the diagram.

With the photo I'm trying to show where the resistor by pass wire connects to, not to the key switch.

That picture is from a 1957 Chevrolet truck shop manual. I will see if its also in the 55 manual.

Your photo shows an "R" terminal. The diagram does not have an R terminal. The photo shows a different way to wire a bypass than the diagram. The traditional R terminal is on some solenoids. We, here, don't call the side terminal on a foot start switch an R terminal.

No one asked you to explain how to wire an R terminal solenoid. That's not what the post was about. But it's good you are learning. It is one of the ways I mentioned to create a points protection resistance bypass.