Hey Guys,

I have a periodic issue at start-up and have done extensive reserach in various battery/alternator/ragulator/starter threads, but I am still somewhat unclear. Here is my story, let me know if you can help:

At various times, at start-up, is acts as if there is not enough juice. Although it always starts (I have never experienced total failure), sometimes as I crank, it actually goes completely silent (no grinding or unusual noises) for a split second (voltmeter sometimes reads in the 6's), then it catches and starts.

It does not seem to matter if it is warm or cold.
It does not seem to matter if fuel is low or full.

I usually keep the car on a CTEK maintainer but disconnected it three days ago to see if the battery is holding a charge. So far, it has held.

THEREFORE, I HAVE RULED OUT THE BATTERY.

I connected a voltmeter and with motor off and no load, it is holding 12.5ish. After start-up it holds 13.9ish constantly whether at idle without lights, with lights, or at just about any RPM while parked. It appears (by the vehicle volt meter) it is holding about the same while driving. I have started and driven the car several times over the past few days with no reduction in battery voltage.

THEREFORE, I HAVE RULED OUT THE ALTERNATOR/REGULATOR (premature?).

Does it sound like a starter issue?
Does it sound like a fuel issue (no other hesitation issues whatsoever and car maintains 1.0 bar at WOT (EPL Tune))?
What am I missing?

See VIDEO at:

http://s1168.photobucket.com/albums/...urrent=035.mp4

-Initial read at 12.04 before start-up.
-You will hear how it sounds when I attempt to start and read drops as low as 6.13.
-After start-up it stabilizes at 13.7.
-I rev it up to about 2000 RPM, but not much change.

Anyone had similar issues? I am hoping some of the professional mechanics can chime in.

Thanks guys!!!

 

Seemed to crank over slow, almost like the battery was not providing enough cranking amps.

 

That actually makes a bit of sense! Would it then make sense that it (battery) causes no other problems during operation and holds normal charge without maintainer? Also, is there a way to verify this is the problem without changing the battery? Thanks Bear!

 

I had a similar problem with my car, battery appeared to be fine. Took it out of the car and over to Sears, they tested and it was NOT up to snuff, purchased new international battery, installed, problem solved. Hoped it's that simple for you. Have you done any other work on the car recently ? If not, it's likely something simple such as this.

 

I think I will try that. Funny - I was just looking at the Interstate MTP-91 as I got your last message!

I just saw your interior on another link - Nice! Can you PM me the info on your iPhone holder?

 

Have a proper batt load test performed at an auto parts store,prob. going to find it fails.Going by voltage is not going to show you much as to batt health

 

Thanks for all the input. New Interstate battery and all is better! Easy 5 minutes out and 5 minutes in!

Don't forget to ask for the vent kit. I bet most dealers/shops won't automatically give it out as they are not familiar with it. Hose had to be cut to accommodate extra length, but very easy install!

By the way, old battery weighed 42 pounds when I took it out and new one 35!

 

Glad everything worked out