Cranks slow in the morning - Diesel Forum

mikel · 01-31-2008, 08:55 AM

I'm trying to figure out what is going on with my truck. About two weeks ago I noticed that is seemed to be rolling over slower in the morning before it would start. It's getting worse and I'm starting to be concerned that it will decide not to start some morning or when I get back to it after work.

So far I have:

Checked the batteries They are from April of '07 and NAPA took their little machine out to the truck and pronounced them good. They tested them one at a time by removing the crossover cable.

Checked the cables. The negative terminals were a little loose, but tightening them didn't make any noticeable difference.

Cleaned the terminals and battery posts. No change.

I checked for random current draw when the truck was off. I show about 1/4 amp. Don't know if that is normal, but it is substantially less than what the dome lights draw and I know that I have accidentally left them on overnight before and the truck didn't seem to notice.

Once the truck fires up, it will then start fine until the next time that it sits for 6-8 hours or so.

After I got it started, I unhooked one battery and tried to start with just one, both batteries seem to be equal when I do this.

I generally drive the truck about 30 miles before I shut it off, so I know that the batteries have time to charge back up between cold starts.

I really don't want to just throw parts at it, I know I could just go buy new batteries and a new starter but I'm hoping that someone here has gone through this and has advice or suggestions.

Thanks,
Mike

94_turbo · 01-31-2008, 08:59 AM

you need to have someone do a starter draw test---or just replace the starter---sounds like its getting weaker----mine did the same thing---

mikel · 01-31-2008, 09:12 AM

Thanks for the reply, that's kind of where I was heading too, I just wanted someone to confirm that they had about the same experience. I'm going to keep watching this thread for a while and see if anyone else responds but I'm sure that I'll end up getting a starter put on it.

Thanks,
Mike

mpdrlsgt · 01-31-2008, 09:16 AM

MIkel,

It may not be the starter. Have you checked your glow plugs? Have you checked the glow plug relay? I needed to replace my glowplugs and after I did, it still was a bear to start especially when cold. After much troubleshooting I found a glow plug relay on Ebay ($30) that solved my hard starting problems.

Hope this helps

Bob

webbstock · 01-31-2008, 09:34 AM

I would suspect the glowplugs too, however it is easy to get the starter tested (easier than checking the GPs), so you may want to check that first. I changed my glowplugs about 4 months ago, and it made a huge difference.

mikel · 01-31-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpdrlsgt

MIkel,

It may not be the starter. Have you checked your glow plugs? Have you checked the glow plug relay? I needed to replace my glowplugs and after I did, it still was a bear to start especially when cold. After much troubleshooting I found a glow plug relay on Ebay ($30) that solved my hard starting problems.

Hope this helps

Bob

Ok, I'm not sure that I understand the link here. If the glow plugs weren't doing their job then I can see having to crank the engine for a longer period of time when it's cold, but I can't see how bad/non functional glow plugs would cause the engine to crank at a slower speed.

I'm all ears, a GPR will definitely cost less than a starter. Please explain.

Thanks,
Mike

Snowtow · 01-31-2008, 10:57 AM

You are correct that a poorly working glow plug system would not cause the starter to crank slower. Some people just don't read the symptoms carefully enough and/or jump to conclusions.

My truck had the exact same symptoms as my starter began to fail. If you have your starter bench tested make sure that they spin it over for a long period of time and repeat the test several times. I've had two starters which were bad test as ok because the monkey behind the counter didn't run the test long enough. Took both of them to another shop that knew how to test them properly and both were declared dead, which was the correct diagnosis.

Mtntruck · 01-31-2008, 01:38 PM

I also think it’s the starter, replace it with a gear driven super duty style unit. Just tell them its for a ’01 model at the parts store. They’re cheaper and crack better. Last fall I began having starting problems due to a few bad glow plugs and a burnt harness. After replacing all that it still took forever to crank it up when cold. I replaced the starter and now it will fire right up even in below zero temps.

**Beast** · 01-31-2008, 01:46 PM

Starter! I just replaced with OEM and works great for me.

Chrysler79 · 01-31-2008, 01:57 PM

Same with me. Mine was my starter. I thought it was my batteries dying but they were only a year old. Tested them and they were fine. Ordered an OEM starter off the internet. I just replaced the whole deal to keep her reliable. Any way the truck fired right up. So fast in fact that I realized how bad my starter really was.

mikel · 01-31-2008, 04:22 PM

Thanks for all the replies, I've got a starter ordered and I'll post back with results once I get it installed.

Mike

**ammayernick** · 01-31-2008, 05:54 PM

Check starter solenoid first. Check for loose connections or high resistance. A replacement is usually less than 20 bucks. Then pull the starter. Using jumper cables, test the starter on the ground. Make sure the armature comes out immediately. You will be able to tell right away if the starter is struggling. Or you can take the starter to a rebuild shop and let them check it. I would stay away from the run-o-the-mill parts places. Good Luck

mikel · 02-01-2008, 11:46 AM

Just wanted to post a follow-up on here in case someone else runs across this post. I put a new starter on and it cured this problem. I bought a starter for an '01 superduty and it only uses two mounting bolts instead of three, but this old truck has never started so fast.

Anyone that needs a replacement starter should use the one for the superduty, it's night and day different.

Mike

Snowtow · 02-01-2008, 12:13 PM

Not all of the Superduty starters are two bolt. The two bolt is an aftermarket starter, not a factory replacement.

Chrysler79 · 02-01-2008, 01:32 PM

Yeah mine is a three bolt and it looks like we have simular trucks. My guess is that top bolt is important. You can buy new starters off ebay w/a warranty for under a 100 bucks. Thats OEM, if you want something beefier then you'll pay more. I hope she holds up, and glad you running again.