Dang it! - Page 3

BernieB · 11-06-2009, 11:26 PM

Found 'em... Looks like either they changed their specs or my memory was wrong, as the highest rating I see now is 875cca, which is still pretty good, and would be more than enough on my truck. I'll have to see in anyplace local carries them and find out a price.

BernieB · 11-10-2009, 05:16 PM

Well, as if having weak batteries isn't enough, now the truck is requiring extended cranking to get started. Used to be it would start with just 1-2 seconds of cranking, but tonight it took a full 15 seconds to start.

Glow plugs are good, so is the glow controller. No problems at all after it starts, so I'm thinking the filter's good (gonna change it next oil change anyway) and the pumps should be okay.

Could just be that it's cranking too slow...?

scavanger · 11-10-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BernieB

Well, as if having weak batteries isn't enough, now the truck is requiring extended cranking to get started. Used to be it would start with just 1-2 seconds of cranking, but tonight it took a full 15 seconds to start.

Glow plugs are good, so is the glow controller. No problems at all after it starts, so I'm thinking the filter's good (gonna change it next oil change anyway) and the pumps should be okay.

Could just be that it's cranking too slow...?

On a Diesel you bet. need some speed to get started.

Scav.

BernieB · 11-10-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scavanger

On a Diesel you bet. need some speed to get started.

Scav.

Yeah, that and the fact that it runs fine after getting started makes me think it's all due to the marginal batteries. Glow plugs aren't getting hot enough, starter isn't turning fast enough, and therein lies the cause and effect.

I'll probably be changing the batteries tomorrow. Had to wait for a check to clear the bank, and that should happen tonight.

BernieB · 11-10-2009, 08:12 PM

Hmmm... I may have to rethink this. I just found out how to read the date codes on the batteries in the truck and found one was made in May of '07 and the other in August of '07, and both are 6 year warranty.

I still think they're undersized though, with 675cca ratings. I'd prefer 800 or better.

Supposed to rain here the next couple of days, so maybe I'll wait for the weekend when it's clear and in the 70's, then pull both batteries, clean terminals, check grounds, etc, and have 'em both load tested. That'll tell me, one way or another.

If they're bad though it'd be nice to get 'em replaced under warranty, but they were in the truck when I bought it, and the warranty is to "original purchaser" only... Darn. Oh well, they're Delco's, and there's no Delco dealer nearby anyway.

BernieB · 11-14-2009, 03:03 PM

I think I'm going to replace all 8 glow plugs, just to be sure. I'll probably go for a set of quick start plugs. Anyone have any experience with those? Pros/cons?

Crmzendrgone · 11-15-2009, 10:06 PM

what is that saying bad things happen in 3 or your case 3 or 4. I do know the feeling though.

hotrodpc · 11-15-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BernieB

Hmmm... I may have to rethink this. I just found out how to read the date codes on the batteries in the truck and found one was made in May of '07 and the other in August of '07, and both are 6 year warranty.

I still think they're undersized though, with 675cca ratings. I'd prefer 800 or better.

Supposed to rain here the next couple of days, so maybe I'll wait for the weekend when it's clear and in the 70's, then pull both batteries, clean terminals, check grounds, etc, and have 'em both load tested. That'll tell me, one way or another.

If they're bad though it'd be nice to get 'em replaced under warranty, but they were in the truck when I bought it, and the warranty is to "original purchaser" only... Darn. Oh well, they're Delco's, and there's no Delco dealer nearby anyway.

Really, you just need to get you a couple of Duralast batteries from Auto Zone and put that battery issure to rest for several years. I am sure you have read my thread by now, that the Duralast batteries are made by Johnson Controls who also make the Die Hard batteries. So you'd be getting Die Hard battery quality without the Sears price gouge.

BernieB · 11-15-2009, 11:06 PM

No, what I really need to do is load test them properly, then replace them if that shows any problems. Since both batteries are only around two years old if there's anything wrong with them I'll be surprised. I went over the electrical system again today, even so far as to take some resistance readings on the cables and grounds. All came back normal, so I know it's not that.

I also went and checked the glow plugs again. The right bank is a PITA to get to, and there's a couple I simply can't reach without pulling the wheel, so I've decided I'll just buy a set and let the local shop I deal with change them for me. That should help with the starting issues.

Then, the next step will probably be a better alternator, as that 100a stock unit simply isn't big enough.

hotrodpc · 11-16-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BernieB

Then, the next step will probably be a better alternator, as that 100a stock unit simply isn't big enough.

I guess there are differant ways to look at that. With 2 batteries, I'd think 100amp would be enough. You are only using the 2 batteries together to turn it over correct? Then you have 2 batteries to run all your accessories. So then the 100amp alternator should be able to keep them charged in between battery drains I'd think. Of course if the alternator is bad, then sure why not upgrade for a few more bucks. But I think I'd wait til I needed an alternator.

Have you thought to possibly check the battery isolator to see if its functioning properly so that both batteries are getting charged? That is a fairly important part in a dual battery system and it can certainly cause problems if the isolater is not working properly.

11-06-2009, 11:26 PM	#21
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,901	Found 'em... Looks like either they changed their specs or my memory was wrong, as the highest rating I see now is 875cca, which is still pretty good, and would be more than enough on my truck. I'll have to see in anyplace local carries them and find out a price. __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

11-10-2009, 05:16 PM	#22
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,901	Well, as if having weak batteries isn't enough, now the truck is requiring extended cranking to get started. Used to be it would start with just 1-2 seconds of cranking, but tonight it took a full 15 seconds to start. Glow plugs are good, so is the glow controller. No problems at all after it starts, so I'm thinking the filter's good (gonna change it next oil change anyway) and the pumps should be okay. Could just be that it's cranking too slow...? __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

11-10-2009, 08:12 PM	#25
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,901	Hmmm... I may have to rethink this. I just found out how to read the date codes on the batteries in the truck and found one was made in May of '07 and the other in August of '07, and both are 6 year warranty. I still think they're undersized though, with 675cca ratings. I'd prefer 800 or better. Supposed to rain here the next couple of days, so maybe I'll wait for the weekend when it's clear and in the 70's, then pull both batteries, clean terminals, check grounds, etc, and have 'em both load tested. That'll tell me, one way or another. If they're bad though it'd be nice to get 'em replaced under warranty, but they were in the truck when I bought it, and the warranty is to "original purchaser" only... Darn. Oh well, they're Delco's, and there's no Delco dealer nearby anyway. __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

11-14-2009, 03:03 PM	#26
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,901	I think I'm going to replace all 8 glow plugs, just to be sure. I'll probably go for a set of quick start plugs. Anyone have any experience with those? Pros/cons? __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

11-15-2009, 10:06 PM	#27
Crmzendrgone Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,420	what is that saying bad things happen in 3 or your case 3 or 4. I do know the feeling though. __________________ ENGINES PRODUCE POWER. MOTORS RECEIVE POWER. https://lastroundbestround.com/Home_Page.html

11-15-2009, 11:06 PM	#29
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,901	No, what I really need to do is load test them properly, then replace them if that shows any problems. Since both batteries are only around two years old if there's anything wrong with them I'll be surprised. I went over the electrical system again today, even so far as to take some resistance readings on the cables and grounds. All came back normal, so I know it's not that. I also went and checked the glow plugs again. The right bank is a PITA to get to, and there's a couple I simply can't reach without pulling the wheel, so I've decided I'll just buy a set and let the local shop I deal with change them for me. That should help with the starting issues. Then, the next step will probably be a better alternator, as that 100a stock unit simply isn't big enough. __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

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