HARD START
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 244
Likes: 6
From: Central Oregon
HARD START
Yesterday, I started my 55, F350 ( I keep it in the garage with a battery tender connected), it started fine - fired right off. Drove it to a Doctor's appointment, tried starting and it barely turned over. Kept the to start it and finally, it turned over fast enough to start. Drove home and checked the wires and battery cables; everything looked fine. After an hour I tried starting it and again it would barely turn over and gradually it would turn over quicker and start. Drove to the tire store (kept the truck running) drove home and checked the battery. At idle it was producing 11 V, Throttled it up and it went up to 13.5 V.
Today, I spent most of the afternoon checking for shorts. I've isolated a bunch of wires, that I've decided to put new connectors on; so I can't start right now.
Just thought someone might have an idea. I'm thinking starter motor, which is only about 5 or 6 years old.
Today, I spent most of the afternoon checking for shorts. I've isolated a bunch of wires, that I've decided to put new connectors on; so I can't start right now.
Just thought someone might have an idea. I'm thinking starter motor, which is only about 5 or 6 years old.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,907
Likes: 763
From: Hillsborough NJ
I’ll be watching this. My 48, still 6v, has a similar issue. It seems to be related to the generator being able to keep up to the current draw. With lights on, it drains fairly quickly. Unfortunately if I’m going to stick with 6v I’m pretty much on my own.
Tell us more about your charging system, alternator or generator? Built in regulator or separate?
If you have an alternator I’d be tempted to take it out and bring it to a shop who has a test rig. Perhaps it’s not up to spec.
Keep us and updated.
Tell us more about your charging system, alternator or generator? Built in regulator or separate?
If you have an alternator I’d be tempted to take it out and bring it to a shop who has a test rig. Perhaps it’s not up to spec.
Keep us and updated.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 114
Likes: 29
From: Bristol County Ma
My 54 F1 was acting the same way for 2 weeks. Started checking battery cable and they appeared to be good but I went and changed them and also my battery disconnect switch because one of the studs kept turning. It now starts on the very first try.without any hesitation. Hope this helps.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,878
Likes: 295
From: Central Michigan
I agree. unless something in truck (load) is taking it down. Check voltage on battery when disconnected, should be 12 something. If below that recharge and check again if up above 12- good- let it sit overnight, if still about the same, then good, if dropped- bad battery. If says over 12 and you connect in truck and goes to 11- something in truck pulling it down. I don't know if you have a generator or alternator?? Most alternator systems from 60's to 80 something Will be high 13's to middle 14s ( volts) when running 1500 RPM or so.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 244
Likes: 6
From: Central Oregon
I’ll be watching this. My 48, still 6v, has a similar issue. It seems to be related to the generator being able to keep up to the current draw. With lights on, it drains fairly quickly. Unfortunately if I’m going to stick with 6v I’m pretty much on my own.
Tell us more about your charging system, alternator or generator? Built in regulator or separate?
If you have an alternator I’d be tempted to take it out and bring it to a shop who has a test rig. Perhaps it’s not up to spec.
Keep us and updated.
Tell us more about your charging system, alternator or generator? Built in regulator or separate?
If you have an alternator I’d be tempted to take it out and bring it to a shop who has a test rig. Perhaps it’s not up to spec.
Keep us and updated.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 244
Likes: 6
From: Central Oregon
I was thinking of that too. Before I begin taking the cables off I'll check to see how old my battery is.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 244
Likes: 6
From: Central Oregon
My 54 F1 was acting the same way for 2 weeks. Started checking battery cable and they appeared to be good but I went and changed them and also my battery disconnect switch because one of the studs kept turning. It now starts on the very first try.without any hesitation. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 244
Likes: 6
From: Central Oregon
I agree. unless something in truck (load) is taking it down. Check voltage on battery when disconnected, should be 12 something. If below that recharge and check again if up above 12- good- let it sit overnight, if still about the same, then good, if dropped- bad battery. If says over 12 and you connect in truck and goes to 11- something in truck pulling it down. I don't know if you have a generator or alternator?? Most alternator systems from 60's to 80 something Will be high 13's to middle 14s ( volts) when running 1500 RPM or so.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Mike,
I've got exactly the same problem. I'll follow on & see what you find.
I'm tempted to change the battery - it's 3 years old. I'd like to trust that
it will start 100% of the time. Need confidence to use it often.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
I've got exactly the same problem. I'll follow on & see what you find.
I'm tempted to change the battery - it's 3 years old. I'd like to trust that
it will start 100% of the time. Need confidence to use it often.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 244
Likes: 6
From: Central Oregon
Oh, I forgot, when I checked the battery, its only 4 months old. I've been in quite a bit of brain fog since loosing our son in August to COVID. Most days I just aimlessly wonder from one project to another in my Shop. So, I forgot I had bought a new battery this year.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Mike,
Hang in there. Truck therapy can be a good distraction.
Keep doing a little every day.... I appreciate you sharing your life
story & your truck story.
I took my truck over to the store yesterday - started fine leaving the house...
Barely started after doing some grocery shopping. I'll cheat and follow your lead as you
sort out what is happening.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Hang in there. Truck therapy can be a good distraction.
Keep doing a little every day.... I appreciate you sharing your life
story & your truck story.
I took my truck over to the store yesterday - started fine leaving the house...
Barely started after doing some grocery shopping. I'll cheat and follow your lead as you
sort out what is happening.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1