Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Possible battery problem

[DEickhoff]

Noticed a problem this morning. The temps were in the mid 20's with wind chill down to 7. Had truck plugged in all night (block heater). Cranked fine but alt gauge was reading approximately 12v. It would climb to just at 14v (normally the gauge would read 15+v). If I keeped my foot in it the gauge would stay at 14v but when I removed my foot the gauge would drop to 12v. Does this sound like the batteries are going south on me? I've had them in the truck for 3 years now and have noticed she is getting harder and harder to start. I am planning on replacing the starter in January with one from Larry B's (which has the better contacts). One additional question--I don't have access to Optima batteries which is what I would love to put in so what is the best battery for cca and long life?



Thank

Dawna

 

[JFaughn]

The sure way is to do a load test , but it would be normal , that after starting [ drain ] and the air heater grid [ drain ] that you will have a little lower volts at idle [ very little charge at idle ] the drain needs to be replaced [ high idle for some time [ maybe 10-15 min. ] .
Did your wait to start lite go out rite away or did it stay on for a while ?
If every thing els is ok [ alt. , starter , connections ] batteries should last [ depending on quality , and conditions ] 4-5 yrs. , but being in AK. that could take away some life , so with all the varyables they could be dew , but load test to be sure .

 

[DEickhoff]

The wait to start light acts normally meaning staying on longer if I don't have it plugged in and shorter when I do. Got a line on 2 batteries 875cca dual terminal. Normal life is 72 months for $118 each. Unfortunitily I don't have the luxery of shopping around for better batteries. Got two years left on this island until I move down south and better shopping.

 

[DEickhoff]

Just got done high idling for 20 minutes. On high idle, the gauge reads just at 14v but when I take my foot off the pedal she dropped to just under 14v say 13. 5v. So the batteries might be dying. Guess its time to go get a battery recharger and recharge them over the weekend and see if that makes a difference.

 

[K5IP]

If the batteries are simply depleated, (low charge) it might take several hours of high engine speed to bring them back up to 15Vdc. Your alternator can probably provide over 100 amps, but your batteries, if they are of high quality may have a combined capacity of nearly 200 Amp hours so if the alternator is providing full output (something that rarely happens) you could expect several hours (1ooA X 2hours =200AH), of charging to restore a full charge. Even this is very optemistic because the alternator cuts back on the charge rate as the battery nears final charge.

I sure wish they would put ammeters back in these things. It makes it much easier to determine what is going on.

Rog

 

[tp0d]

I see you plan on replacing the starter, why? These starters are bulletproof, the only problem with them is the small contacts. I replaced my contacts 2yrs ago, and no problems since. Just seems like a waste of $ that could be going to something else on the truck heh. .



As for the batteries, have you checked the acid levels? 1/2 to 3/4" low will make a huge difference. Refill with the best distilled water you can buy. I use filtered RO water.



good luck



-j

 

[brn2fsh]

Sounds like worn brushes on the alternator to me. These are cheap and easy to replace.

 

[DEickhoff]

Had the alternator checked and that was the problem. Thanks for the assistance and suggestions.