hey guys my 97 started cranking extremely slow, it starts but sounds terrible. I washed the engine bay around the downpipe and rear oil plug since in about to change o rings and it started doing this. my voltage gauge also is not rising at idle anymore either. I changed the alternator thinking it was voltage regulator maybe got wet, (it was free under warranty), I also had them load test the batteries. both are good and 925 cca's. I also had them check the start amp draw test. It passed. what could be my problem? I have an extra fender mounted solenoid I'm going to throw on it after work. not sure where to go with this.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ou-cranky.html


go through the above

 

Went through it, ill clean them, and check for hot spots.

 

and do you have a meter? that is better to use instead of rely on the gauge


The connector on top of the alt can come loose, get wet, oily and then not charge
Voltage on gauge wont move much for 2 minutes if GPs are on

 

Get a starter for a SD truck, high torque starter and never look back! If your batteries are good it will spin so fast it will scare you, did me anyway. It only has two bolts where ours has three but that OK.

 

Starter relay has ZERO impact on crank speed. The relay only energizes the solenoid (the solenoid is on the starter, not on the fender).

What does the dash volt gauge read AFTER the GPs have turned off (1-2 minutes)?

 

Since your starter is right beneath where you washed, the starter most likely had gunk get into the starter solenoid/Bendix causing a weak crank situation, get a starter for an 02 SD and as Glenn said you'll never look back.