(Slow Starting) Batteries, Starter or Connections ?

[Turbo_Bob]

2003. 5 CTD, all of a sudden, the last two days the engine cranks over slowly.

Never had this problem before.

The OAT is 80F in the morning and 90F in the evening.



I still have the factory installed batteries, with the green indiacators, which are still green even now. They are now six years old.



The silinoid is working, so I do not think it is a voltage problem.



Could this be a battery problem (low amp capasity) ?



Could this be a starter armature/brush problem ?



Could it be high resistance in the electrical cableing ? No signs of visable white powder at the connections.



If it is a battery problem I will get the red top Optima's. What pn should I look for ?



If starter, what brand and where to get a good replacement, at least as good as the stock one.



Thanks in advance, Bob

 

[hsmith]

You are pushing your luck with those original batteries. Don't ever use the indicators for the actual condition. Replace them. Remember that with two batteries you are only as strong as the weakest one.

 

[wcjp]

In my experience Lead Acid batteries are only good for 4-5 yrs if operated normally. Start talking extreme cold, winching or electrical short and life will be greatly accelerated. Replace them in pairs.

 

[SSell]

my '05 was starting to turn a little sluggish, noticed passenger side battery loosing some fluid at terminal-----battery going south right? Saw a thread in here that stated to check batt connections---sure as s##t I found a WAY loose connection on driver side battery. no more sluggo start, no more leaky batt after correcting that. . Worth a check, but also realize that in Arizona any battery older than 3 years old needs to backed up with a plan B, 4 or 5 years old I'd start shopping...



forwhatit'sworth...

 

[Turbo_Bob]

The top post connectors are tight.

But everybody I talk to say 5 years max for battery life. So I guess I will bite the bullet before I get stranded.



I looked into what size of Optima will cross over to our trucks. It is the BCI Groupe 34, pn: 8002-002



Optima Products: RedTop

http://www.optimabatteries.com/_media/documents/specs/34_34R.pdf



There are also Yellow Top

Optima Products: YellowTop



and Blue Top

Optima Products: BlueTop

 

[jelag]

Remember that our trucks are designed to control the current to the batteries based on the outside temperature to prevent damage in either hot or cold weather. .

I respect you guys for wanting the best... . but I just buy common batteries where I can get good warranty service when I'm out of town... . I know that most batteries are made by 1 of about 4 manufactures except for some of the custom high dollar stuff... we see from 4-6 years on a set... keeping the batteries clean, dry and using NOCO washers on the posts to prevent gassing from doing damage to the posts...

We understand battery testing and trouble shooting... . batteries start to self destruct when they are made... . they have a limited life... so the common battery does us a good job for the price and the life we keep the truck... . usually 500K miles...

We also size them correctly understanding that as the temperature falls, their ability to provide starting power decreases...

 

[CPittman]

I just get two Wal-Mart EverStart Maxx's and shut the hood. Good for 3 or 4 years - cheap too.

 

[SSell]

Honestly, I've had better luck with Walmart/ everstarts than I've had with optima redtops and interstates.