Is it likely that I just have weak batteries? The reserve capacity on my batteris seem to be a little lacking because running the radio for about an hour can kill it so the truck wont start. The voltage will show just below 11v and it wont start. Also if I leave the truck ignition in the on position (where the glow plugs are heating) for more than a minute or so, the truck will crank but wont start until I cycle it to off.

 

Ok so this is a 6.0?

I know the glow plugs will cycle a bit..but then you have to turn the ignition off. It is designed so you dont burn them up.

I wouldnt leave them on longer than the light for the glow plugs is lit. In these the Inst cluster has the sqwiggly mark on the left showing the plugs...Not long on these...then start. if you are leaving it on thinking it will help it start, it is wrong. If you have weak batteries, this will kill the juice for sure.

The bats should have 750 a piece cca's...I have only 700 total and it still starts...you could run the radio forever and not kill the bats if it is strong (a little exagerated) so you need new ones or check the water in them if it isnt too late. i check water in maint free ones if the tops can be open.

 

Eric another important point for you to know is that when you do replace the batteries, you need to replace both at the same time.

If you replace one but not the other, within a week the old battery will kill the new battery. I know that's not what we want to hear but if you try to do this on the cheap, it'll cost you much more in the long run!

Joe

 

Thank you for the reply. I apologize also for not having my truck info in a signature. I keep meaning to do it. Thank you for the info, the batteries have always read good on cold cranking amps whenever I check them, and both batteries were replaced at the same time. But they are probably about 6 months old. I would like to replace them under warranty but since they test out ok I can't. Also the only reason I leave it to the on position is reading some of the other posts about the "wait to start" indicator not being entirely true on when you should actually start the engine.

 

I would get the largest CA/CCA battery I could find. Should be able to tell a difference when you start it up.

 

Thanks, that what I have been figuring. Also that it will hopefully allow it to start quickly and reliably everytime.

Btw, just noticed you were stationed in Beaufort. Are you on the air station?

 

Yep. Work in the Hydraulics shop at the MALS.

 

Yup, just a walk down the road. I'm over at VMFA-533.

 

You fly or maintain?

 

Woo HOO!!! My hats off to both of you gents!

Thanks for what you do!

Joe

 

Same to you. I mean what you did. I don't regret a second of it.

 

I am over on headquarters side doing logistics for the squadron. And thanks also, I love what I get to do.

 

I just put 2 Duralast Golds in mine. They are 850CA/1000CCA. I could tell a huge difference when I installed them. You have to let the engine and trans go through the relearn process though. It's in the tech folder if you haven't looked in there yet.

 

If you get the battery situation just right, does it start and run fine?

I wonder are you getting a good charge out of the ALT?

Hopefully you dont have starting problems when the truck is warm trying to start or driving problems. Wouldnt want more than battery problems with a 6.0

perhaps relearn is necessary when it is so dead it wont start?

 

BTW. I plug mine in every night. If it's over 40* I wont plug it in.