Cranking over slowly
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Cranking over slowly
Truck is struggling to turnover in the morning. When I will start to crank it over it is very slow but than after 7-8 seconds or so it sounds like the starter speeds up and within 5 seconds it fires. I put two new batteries in last fall and the alternator appears to be charging based upon the gauge (12-13V). Does this sound like a failing starter or battery issues? How can I check? Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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to start with, have your local auto parts store test both of your batteries using a real load tester not the little baby model they carry in one hand. the little baby tester they have will show obvious battery failure, but won't always show one thats just weak.
inspect your battery cables. if you have damaged cables like many of us do, that invites corrosion to come in and eat your wires, causing trouble like this.
on second thought, your 7-8 seconds sounds as if your glow plugs are probably still on during that time, and your batteries just aren't putting out enough to power the plugs plus the starter, but are enough to do either job by itself. so batteries are your most likely issue.
once all else is in good shape, then you can judge the starter.
inspect your battery cables. if you have damaged cables like many of us do, that invites corrosion to come in and eat your wires, causing trouble like this.
on second thought, your 7-8 seconds sounds as if your glow plugs are probably still on during that time, and your batteries just aren't putting out enough to power the plugs plus the starter, but are enough to do either job by itself. so batteries are your most likely issue.
once all else is in good shape, then you can judge the starter.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: California
voltage regulator. you can get them really cheap.
More Information for AIRTEX 1V1031
12-13V is a big range. What is the exact voltage with the engine off, and with the engine idling?
More Information for AIRTEX 1V1031
12-13V is a big range. What is the exact voltage with the engine off, and with the engine idling?
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"on second thought, your 7-8 seconds sounds as if your glow plugs are probably still on during that time, and your batteries just aren't putting out enough to power the plugs plus the starter, but are enough to do either job by itself."
I should have been clearer as your comment makes total sense given the lack of information I provided. I allow the wait to start light to turn off than crank. I am not cranking with the plugs still on. I will have the batteries load tested as recommended and check the wires and get back to you guys.
The voltage I provided is solely based on the lack of accuracy in the gauge. the needle is not moving around so I assume its charging evenly.
I should have been clearer as your comment makes total sense given the lack of information I provided. I allow the wait to start light to turn off than crank. I am not cranking with the plugs still on. I will have the batteries load tested as recommended and check the wires and get back to you guys.
The voltage I provided is solely based on the lack of accuracy in the gauge. the needle is not moving around so I assume its charging evenly.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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actually, the glow plugs are still lit for several seconds after the light turns off. so it may be just that.
as for voltage and all that, 12.7 is the ideal voltage for the battery with the engine off, and about 14 running. maybe your alternator isn't putting out a high enough voltage to keep the batteries full. factory gages are often inaccurate, as are cheap aftermarket gages. you might try a little tester like this 12 Volt Battery/Alternator Tester i have one and its good for what it is - a quick indicator
as for voltage and all that, 12.7 is the ideal voltage for the battery with the engine off, and about 14 running. maybe your alternator isn't putting out a high enough voltage to keep the batteries full. factory gages are often inaccurate, as are cheap aftermarket gages. you might try a little tester like this 12 Volt Battery/Alternator Tester i have one and its good for what it is - a quick indicator
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
If your batteries are good, and have good connections, I'd go to your starter after.
I had that problem on my van not long after I got it, even with newer batteries, it cranked slower than it should, and sucked alot of juice to.
Starter was drawing to much power, and not cranking fast.
New one made a world of difference!
And just to use as a reference, this is my 6.9 motorhome, this is how fast an IDI is suppose to crank over....oh yes, it's fast!
New starter, batteries and good cables on this! (and it didn't fire off instantly there cause it had a couple bad glow plugs, and the wait to start light would only stay on for a second or 2, but gives a good example to show how fast these engines are suppose to crank over).
I had that problem on my van not long after I got it, even with newer batteries, it cranked slower than it should, and sucked alot of juice to.
Starter was drawing to much power, and not cranking fast.
New one made a world of difference!
And just to use as a reference, this is my 6.9 motorhome, this is how fast an IDI is suppose to crank over....oh yes, it's fast!
New starter, batteries and good cables on this! (and it didn't fire off instantly there cause it had a couple bad glow plugs, and the wait to start light would only stay on for a second or 2, but gives a good example to show how fast these engines are suppose to crank over).
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