Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) cranks hard

[DPyles]

Hello all, I have yet another question I would like some opinions on.

My truck just recently began to crank over slowly. Like it is really a struggle to roll the engine over.



Starter contacts????





I checked both the batteries and the one is at 12. 4 volts and the other is at 12. 9 volts. I did not check to see what the voltage is while cranking.



Alternator putting out 14. 2 volts at idle.



Anyone else experienced this situaton? If so, what did you do to remedy the problem?



I would also like to ask where is the cheapest place to purchase the fuel pick-up assembly that is located in the fuel tank?

I must have a problem with mine as when it gets down to about a quarter of a tank the truck will get air in the fuel system and will die. If I keep the fuel level over a half a tank it will not experience this problem.



Anyone ever have this problem either?



All replies welcome.

Dan.

 

[Bob4x4]

A voltmeter is not an accurate test of batt capacity,high amp draw from these starters is rare,I would have the batteries tested. Your fuel gauge is probably inaccurate... . another fairly common complaint.



Bob

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by dpyles

I checked both the batteries and the one is at 12. 4 volts and the other is at 12. 9 volts. I did not check to see what the voltage is while cranking.

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fuel gets down to about a quarter of a tank--- the truck will get air in the fuel system and will die. Dan.

Hello Dan;



[STARTING PROBLEM]

The batteries must be matched. You have proven they are not by measuring their voltages independently. Have them load tested to see how they really are. They should provide equal amps/minutes to a low test voltage point.



Ensure that all of the cable connectors are clean, free of corrosion, and coat them with a dielectric grease. GP or Noxid are both excellent.



Check the terminals on the starter for condition and proper torque. Any evidence of over heating at the terminals? ie, darkened areas around the terminals/connectors.



If all of the above check okay, then it is time to get a starter. If the bushings are worn, the armature will drag against the fields. Once this happens, the high magnetic field will clamp the armature tight against the field frame and current draw will dramatically increase. The increased friction will slow the spin rate fast.



If the solenoid contacts are burned, the higher resistance will drop the voltage to the starter motor reducing the power capability and spin rate.



One last test.

Connect a voltmeter at the starter solenoid and monitor the voltage there while someone cranks the engine over. Should be above 10. 5 at the very least. If everything is ship shape I would expect to see 11. 2 or more while cranking. This assumes the batteries are fully charged and have 12. 6 volts at rest. (all measurement with negative lead grounded)



[AIR IN FUEL PROBLEM]



Sounds like there is something loose with the fuel supply tube in the tank. When the fuel level drops below ~1/4 tank air is leaking into the supply line breaking the vacuum the lift pump has on the fuel tank.



Pull the tank and inspect the fuel supply assembly. As for a source other than hi-bux DC, don't know.



John