Starting Problems
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Starting Problems
My 1980 F350 won't hold a charge. I replaced the battery because I figured the one that was in it was getting old. Even with the new battery I turn the key and nothing happens at all not a click or anything. After I put the battery charger on for about a half hour it starts right up. I did notice that the fusible link by the solenoid is worn out and the bare wire is corroded. I haven't looked at the alternator yet. I'm not quite sure what to do about it right now so if anyone has had similar problems let me know what you did. Thanks.
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 21
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From: Gorham, Maine
The first thing I would do is take some voltage readings. The stock ammeter is not enough to tell the whole story. I installed a voltmeter in my truck.
Use a digital VOM (Volt Ohm Milliammeter) or multimeter as they are sometimes reffered to. Some inexpensive models are available at Sears, Napa, and other stores. After you have charged the battery, take a voltage reading across the terminals with nothing else connected to it. A battery that is fresh off a charger may read slightly more than 12 volts, but this is OK. Write down this voltage. Now, connect the battery to the truck and, before starting it, take another reading across the terminals. If the voltage is lower than before, you probably have a small current draw somewhere in the wiring.
Whether or not a draw was indicated, start the truck. With the engine at idle, take another reading across the terminals. The ideal reading is 13.8 volts, but 14 or slightly higher is OK. I would consider anything over 14.5 too much. If you have a helper, have him or her rev the engine slightly with and without the lights on, while you observe the voltmeter. The reading should stay relatively steady. If the voltage goes considerably higher(2 volts or more) as the engine is reved the voltage regulator is bad. ( Too much voltage can be just as bad as not enough and can kill a battery by boiling off electrolyte). If the voltage is pulled down with the lights on, the alternator is probably bad.
Since the truck starts with a charged battery, I don't suspect the fusible link you mentioned. If it is bare and corroded, however, I would change it.
Hope this helps!
Use a digital VOM (Volt Ohm Milliammeter) or multimeter as they are sometimes reffered to. Some inexpensive models are available at Sears, Napa, and other stores. After you have charged the battery, take a voltage reading across the terminals with nothing else connected to it. A battery that is fresh off a charger may read slightly more than 12 volts, but this is OK. Write down this voltage. Now, connect the battery to the truck and, before starting it, take another reading across the terminals. If the voltage is lower than before, you probably have a small current draw somewhere in the wiring.
Whether or not a draw was indicated, start the truck. With the engine at idle, take another reading across the terminals. The ideal reading is 13.8 volts, but 14 or slightly higher is OK. I would consider anything over 14.5 too much. If you have a helper, have him or her rev the engine slightly with and without the lights on, while you observe the voltmeter. The reading should stay relatively steady. If the voltage goes considerably higher(2 volts or more) as the engine is reved the voltage regulator is bad. ( Too much voltage can be just as bad as not enough and can kill a battery by boiling off electrolyte). If the voltage is pulled down with the lights on, the alternator is probably bad.
Since the truck starts with a charged battery, I don't suspect the fusible link you mentioned. If it is bare and corroded, however, I would change it.
Hope this helps!
