No Crank

[WDaniels]

I have a 96 4x4 w/nv4500. Just recently it started cranking slower and slower. Thought it was the starter because the batteries were fully charged. Put my spare starter on, still cranked slower and slower until it only clicks now. Will not start with jump function on charger either. Thought the battery cables were bad(they looked terrible) made new cables and installed. Still only clicks. Checked the starter relay and it's good. So......anyone with some good ideas to check?
Warren

 

[brucejohnson]

Warren,

I would recommend you load test the batteries individually. Also check the bonding strap from the body/frame to block. All indications point to bad battery. How is the alternator output?

 

[DavidC]

Agree on the batteries. Do the headlights stay bright when trying to crank ?

 

[Timd32]

Starter Contacts? Pretty common issue as well.

https://www.genosgarage.com/product/lb-r90ss/engine-rebuild-kits-3

 

[WDaniels]

Warren,

I would recommend you load test the batteries individually. Also check the bonding strap from the body/frame to block. All indications point to bad battery. How is the alternator output?

Batteries are almost brand new. Are holding 12.3 after 2 weeks of not running. Never considered that I might have a blown strap at the bottom of the bat tho. Thanks

 

[WDaniels]

Agree on the batteries. Do the headlights stay bright when trying to crank ?

You an old SAC man? Me too, as well as MAC, PACAF and AAC.

 

[WDaniels]

Starter Contacts? Pretty common issue as well.

https://www.genosgarage.com/product/lb-r90ss/engine-rebuild-kits-3

Starter I put on is brand new with new improved contacts. Had it tested at a starter place, works good. Warren

 

[WDaniels]

Agree on the batteries. Do the headlights stay bright when trying to crank ?

I am removing the aftermarket HID's from Alaska to a more normal dodge headlights so they are removed at the moment. Warren

 

[DavidC]

Have a multimeter ?. Attach to battery facing cab, try to start and see where the voltage goes. My last ones dropped to 5vdc trying to start.

 

[brucejohnson]

I still recommend a load test on each battery. David's headlight observation is a quicky test as the starter draw will pull a lot of amperage. If the amperage is depleted and the headlights dim significantly during a start session one or both of the batteries are weak, or a bad connection somewhere in the circuit. What does the voltmeter read during and after a start session?

 

[DavidC]

You an old SAC man? Me too, as well as MAC, PACAF and AAC.

Yes sir, SAC rules.

 

[DavidC]

I still recommend a load test on each battery. David's headlight observation is a quicky test as the starter draw will pull a lot of amperage. If the amperage is depleted and the headlights dim significantly during a start session one or both of the batteries are weak, or a bad connection somewhere in the circuit. What does the voltmeter read during and after a start session?

Yes, load testing will give the definitive answer if it can be done.

 

[brucejohnson]

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-the-voltage-of-a-car-battery

A reading of 12.65-12.77 volts means your battery has a full charge. 12.45-12.54 volts means you have a 75% charge, 12.24-12.29 is 50% charged, and 11.99-12.06 volts is 25% charged. 11.75-11.89 volts means your battery is dead.​

 

[Tractorat]

A reading of 12.3v cold doesnt mean 12.3v when the starter engages.

 

[WDaniels]

Ok, had the bat's load tested and are marginal. Has anyone upgraded to series 31 batteries on their truck. I need battery trays 13.25" long. Stock ones are only twelve and a quarter long. Warren

 

[Tractorat]

Ive actually got group 24s in mine. Thats what the shop put in a couple of years ago when I was having trouble starting. The 24s actually out spec'd the group 27s. I like em. Interstate.

 

[WDaniels]

If I can I am going to size 31's. All depends in finding something that will fit them. Warren

 

[The patriot]

If you get longer bolts, the group 31 will fit. DONT do it on a cold day though. It's TIGHT!
My 1998 12 valve has had 31's in it for almost 20 years now.

 

[Signal73]

Instead of longer bolts you can just turn the clip over that slides over the battery tray that will put the threads at the top and allow the battery holddown bolts to grab

 

[The patriot]

I dont think so, it's NOT that close.
Go websearch up whatever size is in there, and group 31 dimensions. Add the difference.