Starting Problems
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Starting Problems
Over the last couple of weeks I have been noticing that when I start up from cold the starter turns the engine slower than it used to, until two days ago when it wouldn't turn over anymore (just clicks). I took off the starter and had it tested, and checked the wiring from the alternator to the battery and they are OK. The battery cables and their connections are also good.
When I drive somewhere, stop for awhile, and get going again the truck starts up fine. It only happens when I wait a few days between using the truck that this happens.
The starter and alternator were both replaced in July. The battery was replaced in August and the fluid inside the positive side looks about 1.25 inches below the top, while it is about half an inch below the top on the negative side. Would this cause the problem that I have, or could it be a short somewhere that's draining the battery while the truck is off? The truck is a '70 F-100 with a 302 V8. I am in Central Texas so it's not too cold here.
Thanks in advance
When I drive somewhere, stop for awhile, and get going again the truck starts up fine. It only happens when I wait a few days between using the truck that this happens.
The starter and alternator were both replaced in July. The battery was replaced in August and the fluid inside the positive side looks about 1.25 inches below the top, while it is about half an inch below the top on the negative side. Would this cause the problem that I have, or could it be a short somewhere that's draining the battery while the truck is off? The truck is a '70 F-100 with a 302 V8. I am in Central Texas so it's not too cold here.
Thanks in advance
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Starting Problems
Brandon I believe that the fluid level should be about 1/2 in below the full to allow the cap to fit in. One thing that you might want to do go to your local Autozone \ Advance Auto etc and have them run a load test on the battery to see how it holds up under stress for a few moments.
If that Is OK You might disconnect the neg. terminal when you let the truck set for a few days. If you go out, reconnect the cable and the battery seems to be fully charged, then you may have a drain. I believe the voltage regulator could be a coulpret. I'm sure some others will offer good suggestions as well.
good luck,
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
If that Is OK You might disconnect the neg. terminal when you let the truck set for a few days. If you go out, reconnect the cable and the battery seems to be fully charged, then you may have a drain. I believe the voltage regulator could be a coulpret. I'm sure some others will offer good suggestions as well.
good luck,
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis
Starting Problems
Pull one of your battery leads, and put an ammeter (measures current) between the post and the open battery lead. You should have no current draw with the truck turned off. You can then turn the key to on and with the headlights or something else on, see a draw. If you have a current draw with the key off, you have some kind of short. Hope this helps.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Starting Problems
(Good answers John.)
The battery is low on fluid, all cells should be about a 1/2 inch below the top of the battery. The regulator may be over charging the battery and boiling it dry. Do the checks John listed and you should be able to figure it out.
The battery is low on fluid, all cells should be about a 1/2 inch below the top of the battery. The regulator may be over charging the battery and boiling it dry. Do the checks John listed and you should be able to figure it out.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Starting Problems
I added water to the battery. It was much lower than I thought. It took most of a glass to bring the fluid back up to where it belongs. I'll try and get a jump later tonight or sometime tomorrow and drive around awhile to charge the battery up.
I also plan on checking for a short as soon as I can get a voltege meter. I don't have mine here - I'm in college at Texas A&M.
Thanks for all the help.
I also plan on checking for a short as soon as I can get a voltege meter. I don't have mine here - I'm in college at Texas A&M.
Thanks for all the help.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: SE PA
Starting Problems
When you add water to either the battery or cooling system, make sure to use distilled water, distilling takes all the nasty stuff out of it. If you use tap water, this will decrease equipment life, and no, spring water is no better. You can pick-up a gallon at any drug store and even K-marts, ect., the cost is about $1 per gallon. This will help keep the life in the battery for a much longer time than with using tap water. Just thought I would mention this, as a lot of folks don't realize this. Chuck P.
