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Feb 6, 2008 | 01:57 PM

duck fan

Thread Starter

Because racetruck

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,786

Likes: 104

From: Monterey Bay, CA

Another hard starting thread

So here is my issue: '00 Excursion 7.3. I have had this truck for about 4 months. When we purchased it they put 2 new batteries in it. It started and ran fine. We killed the batteries at a horse show because the kids were in it off and on all day with the stereo on and we forgot to disconnect the trailer wiring and the tack room light was on all day. A quick jumpstart and we were on our way.

As winter has rolled in (mind you I live on the coast of CA and winter is maybe 30 on the coldest of nights), some mornings the truck will start, idle for ten seconds and die. Then it will crank but not start. After 4 or 5 15 second cranking sessions the batteries are dead. If after that initial start, idle, die routine, I jump it with another car it will start right up. Also if its warm it will start right up.

One more detail. If it sits for more than a day or two it requires a jump regardless of temps. I looked both batteries are rated at 650 CCA. I know that someone has posted the standard somewhere but I searched and could not find it.

Sorry for the length but I wanted to include as much info as possible.

Feb 6, 2008 | 02:05 PM

jff99

Junior User

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 80

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From: Tucson, AZ

If I'm not mistaken, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, they need to be around 800-850cca. The "big" Ford type batteries are best. I've got 2 Duralast Golds in mine. It sound like the batteries are getting too weak or worn out to supply enough juice to start your truck. Always replace them in pairs and have the charging system checked just to make sure it's in good working order.

Jim

edit: also when you "light" the glo plugs on weak batteries, it pulls the surface voltage down on the batteries. ie: starting at say 12.7 volts, after the glo plugs they might read 10.9-11.9 volts. Then when you hit the starter, there isn't enough juice to run the starter and the electronics to start the truck. The result is crank but no start, then dead.

Last edited by jff99; Feb 6, 2008 at 02:18 PM.

Feb 6, 2008 | 02:42 PM

duck fan

Thread Starter

Because racetruck

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,786

Likes: 104

From: Monterey Bay, CA

I would be curious to know the correct rating for the batteries

Feb 6, 2008 | 02:46 PM

bandlgeorge

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 530

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From: Vancouver, Washington

IIRC, factory recommends 750-775 cca. I replaced ine when they went bad with Interstate 950 cca's, and an alternator as well (batteries went bad, then the alternator) Interstate's have been good so far. Don't run to long on bad batteries. The more accessories that you use (heated seats, trailer lights, etc, the sooner you will suck that alternator down and fry it too. Those run at least $200 for a re-man.

Feb 6, 2008 | 04:02 PM

duck fan

Thread Starter

Because racetruck

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,786

Likes: 104

From: Monterey Bay, CA

What did the 950's run you if you don't mind me asking?

Feb 6, 2008 | 04:25 PM

bandlgeorge

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 530

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From: Vancouver, Washington

They were $207.90 before Washington sales tax, installed by me. al;alternator was $175.00 before tax, installed by me as well. Just make sure you replace both batteries and never one at a time, otherwise the new battery will get worn down a little by the old one. ALL OR NONE! Hope that helps.

And I stand corrected, they were 850 cold cranking amps, 1000 cranking amps

Click here to go to Interstates page for this battery