That's correct; JT and I are talking about the same thing.

 

Also, it might not be a bad idea to make sure you have good batteries in your multimeter, because if I'm following this thread correctly, the multimeter reading is the only thing suggesting you have a problem (assuming the starter problem is due to heat soaking and unrelated to the charging system, which we do not know yet). I've seen cases where people chase down never-ending electrical problems, only to find their meter was giving an incorrect reading. I say this because it's puzzling to me that the truck has been running fine for so long at such a low voltage.

 

Oh great idea... never thought of changing the batteries. the meter is a few years old.
ok so the ground test is the same, sounds good then.
will let you all know tomorrow!

 

I am curious for more information on what exactly do you mean when you say the truck won't start after running all day.

Truck is totally dead or...

Truck makes a clicking sound or...

Truck cranks over, but doesn't run

Josh

 

What i meant with the truck will run for a long trip but once off, and you try to start it again, its like real hard to turn over. Like it will once, then a couple of times and then once...
"room," "room room," "room" like the battery is low.
But you let it sit over night and it starts right up like it did today!

Ok guys i did some of the ideas you suggested...
I have two volt meters and changed the batteries on both...11.8volts with truck off
With the truck running i found a clean spot on the block and touch a wire(10gauge) from the block to the regulator mounting bracket, Still 11.6 volts no change. I tried several differant spots on the block and other grounding spots...no change!

 

If you put a voltage meter on the battery and rev up the engine, do you still only see 11 or so volts while the engine is reving?

Check your regulator, this may help:
Youtube video

Good luck,
JT

 

Lets start with the basics,first off what is the voltage on the main lug on the back of the alternator(The fattest wire) with the truck running?What is the voltage on the positive terminal(of the bat.) with the truck running?To start off with anything under 13 volts,with the truck running, indicates a charging problem,Second,seeing as the alternator fills the battery the voltage should be higher at the alternator than at the battery.The alternator is producing the power,if the battery voltage exceeds the alt.voltage(with the truck running)then the current is flowing the wrong way.My guess,and this is only a guess as of yet,is that the problem is an intermittant short with voltage regulator harness.when you are checking voltages,try jiggling the harness to see if there is a change.Also make sure that the multi meter is grounded WELL!As far as the starting problem,there is a possibilty that these are unrelated.First things first,lets get your voltages correct!Another thing,do the simple stuff!Check your grounds!make sure that they are secure and on bare metal.Is there a ground strap from the block to the frame?What is the condition of the cables?I like to put my ground to the block(from the bat.) and then strap from the block to the frame,and then from the frame to the cab.Work on the charging problem first,and make sure that bat. terminals are clean,and don't use the cheapy ends,buy or make complete heavy duty cables.

 

Thanks guys for the ideas once again...
I Will give them a try tomorrow if at all possible. as soon as i do i will post!
Take care!

 

Very curious about this. How did this work out?