Got a Starting question

Alright guys,

Got another ???

I have a 75 with a 258. This last summer I put in a Optima Red top battery along with my HEI and new carb. Recently, when I turn the key, it first turns over really slow, then takes off and starts. Do I have a bad battery, is the starter going, or is my alternator not keeping up??? The alternator has been on there for at least ten years. Also, could it be the battery cables or solenoid?????

Any help, like always, is greatly appreciated

High5

 

Do you have a voltage guage? If so, what is it showing when you are cranking?

If it drops down into the 7 to 8 volt range then I would suspect a dead cell in the battery or the alternator is not charging hte battery correctly.

Do you have a battery charger handy? Make sure the battery has a full charge and try starting it. If it fixes the problem then I would say alternator problem.

 

That's a good question. What should it be showing?? I have one, not sure if it works or notR)

High5

 

Mine drops to around 11 when cranking then jumps up to 14~15 after it starts. I use an aftermarket guage though.

BTW: I am running an Optima Red, HEI and 258.

 

Out of curiousity, how are you running that much lift with that drivetrain combo??? I fiugred that would kill some u joints at that angle. How long is your rear d shaft. Mine isn't much over 15 inches I think.

I will check the voltage gauge after work. Does Optima have a waurentee on their batteries??

thanks
High5

 

I've had that exact problem before, on an old GMC pickup. It was the starter. I bet you need a new starter, or are going to soon.

 

CV rear drivshaft and I pointed the pinion on the 44 up when I put the new spring perches on. Plus I had to drop the tranny x-member about an inch to keep it from hitting the bottom of the jeep when I did the swap. It is right at the limit of what I would want as far as angle goes when at full droop. And when I did the spring conversion I pushed the rear axle back about 3 inches.

 

I was wondering about that being a possibility as well.

 

If you were going to replace a starter, would you spend the money for a Mean Green or Power Master, or would you just replace with a stock type starter???
Thanks

High5

 

Unless you like playing in the rocks I would just go stock.

The Mean Grean and Power Master will allow you to start on a steep incline without having to use the clutch.

 

Cool thanks,
I don't want to dump a bunch of money into a starter right now or ever really.

Thanks again,

High5

 

Hey guys,
went to start it last night and it didn't hesitate at all. Think it's the starter???

Thanks
High5

 

Well what did you do differently then before? Was the motor hot before if so that is a sign a new starter is needed. It is less then $50 at your FLAPS, so even if your wrong its only <$50. Then again if it went away maybe it fixed itself

 

I didn't do anything different and I don't think it fixed itself. I think I'm going to be proactive and pick up a starter soon. I suppose I could pull it off and take it to autozone to be checked. That would be easy enough.

Thanks
High5

 

It might be an issue with the starter being under a load or when its cold. So I don't know how they test them, but they may not see an issue if it is intermitant as you say. Also do not rule out the solenoid. Those are like $10 you may try replacing that first.

 

Before you spend any money check all the connections first. Check the cables for corrosion inside the insulation, check for good connections at the battery and starter, check for good chassis to block ground, etc. A problem in any of these areas will cause the symptoms you describe. Nickmil.

 

Hey guys,

I went to start the Jeep last night after work and I now have some grinding going on. It started and I drove it home. Once home I shut it off and tried to start a couple of times. It ground a bit, but did start. I am hoping it is the starter and I am going to replace it this weekend along with the solenoid. I'll post the results after. I also have my lift to put in, but it's pretty darn cold to be working outside this weekend. I still might tear into it, but it has to be done by Monday as this is my DD.

High5

 

You didn't mention if the starter drags when the engine is hot or cold or both. Simple test is to stop at any garage and put a draw on the battery. The test tool runs about 70 bucks for a cheap one around these parts. You may have a dead spot on you soleniod, or a commintator that is bad in one spot. Volt tests will some times help, but for the real deal...amp draw will let you know.

 

Well, I pulled the starter this morning and replaced it. The old one had some teeth that didn't look so hot. It's amazing how quiet the new starter is. I also replaced the solenoid while I was at it.

High5