Battery/Charging system question

[clindberg]

So I posted this over at powerstroke.org as well, but figured I might get some additional ideas here.

OK,

So here it goes. I drove from New Jersey to Ontario this weekend, (I love my vegistroke system)(Did I mention that I have driven 2200 miles since my last diesel fill-up and the diesel tank is still over 3/4 full).

I drove around all Saturday morning in Ontario and parked my truck. I got in to start it and it wouldn't start. It cranked a few times and never caught. it just died out like there was no battery power. I got out, popped the hood, found a loose ground wire on one of the battery's. I tightened that up and it fired right up. Fast forward a few hours and several cycles of turning the truck on and off. It happens again. I got out, cranked down harder on all the terminal connections, fires up again(there is absolutely no play in the terminal connections, they are tight) Drive about 800 miles home, truck works great. The on board stock battery gauge is right in the middle where it always is.

Truck starts and runs fine on Monday. Today(Tuesday) starts up fine in the morning, go to work, won't start in the afternoon to go home. I had the batteries and alternators tested at my local auto parts store. Batteries both had 14amps. The alternator showed it was charging. So what gives?

Any ideas? What can I check next?

Thanks in advance.

[greasyX]

Check CPS (crank position sensor) ford had a recall a while ago,this is my first route,my second would be your diesel fuel filter.This would always be used on cold starts,but not so much on hot cycles(1hr off etc)..........goodluck

[Clay]

when you say it wouldnt start, did it crank like the batts were weak?

[Clay]

Check CPS (crank position sensor) ford had a recall a while ago,this is my first route,my second would be your diesel fuel filter.This would always be used on cold starts,but not so much on hot cycles(1hr off etc)..........goodluck

Do you mean the Cam position sensor?

[greasyX]

Yes thanks what i meant,I was talking Powerstroke,working on theCRD,and thinking about my boiler at that time,sorry.................greasy

[skyskijason]

PSD will not start if voltage is below 10v while cranking. Even an engine that spins over will not start. New batts will likely solve yer problem and I bet you'll be shocked how much faster it'll spin over.

Can I say 'been there done that'?

I prefer the 3yr free-replacement batts from wallyworld. Inexpensive and I've had good luck with them. EASY, EASY replacement too - no questions asked. Take batts to customer service and they tell ya to go get new ones - DONE! Last set was about 4yrs old and only cost a few $$ to replace...

[clindberg]

Yes, like the batteries were really weak. It would crank once or twice and then the cranking would fade out like the batteries were totally drained.

Last night I took the truck to my local auto parts store and they threw a meter on the batteries (batteries both read 13.8) and alternator and said both were working fine.
I traced all the grounds and disconnected and cleaned them and then reconnected. Truck started and ran fine today. But I don't know if it is fixed because it will run fine and then not start all of a sudden.

When the truck is running the battery gauge is right in the middle where it always is. Weirdness all around.

Thanks for the tips and ideas. I appreciate them and if there are any more, keep them coming.

Colin

[skyskijason]

Get batteries soon. (or AAA )

[Clay]

three words.
Optima red tops

[greasyX]

I second that my CRD has one,and 2 on the chistmas list for GreasyX,and It does'nt need them yet(don't tell wifey)........that is the best batteries you can buy for the money hands down..............................greasy

[skyskijason]

optima's have relatively short life in PSD's - not an 'economical' decision...

[Marv]

three words.
Optima red tops

I've been considering these for mine, but don't have a need for them just yet.

I've been running one in my Camaro for a couple years now and it works like a champ. Little pricey compared to others, but definitely worth it.

[Marv]

optima's have relatively short life in PSD's - not an 'economical' decision...

Jason what have you been running in your truck?

[skyskijason]

walmart 3yr free replacements. Last set lasted about 4yrs - prolly not dead then, but it only cost a few $$ to get a new pair, so I did!

I personally know 3 people who used Optima's in 7.3's - none got over 2 years out of them and I've read about many similar stories. IIRC, the batts in my truck(s) actually have more CCA's also...

There are other compelling reasons to use Optima's though. Mostly, they do not 'gas off' and rust out the areas around the battery and they are 'smaller' (don't forget ya need to modify batt holddown system and ya lose factory cold air intake unless using AIS or aftermarket)...

If ya don't have an AIS intake in yer 7.3 yet - that is best $200 you can spend on an intake. (built by Donaldson, btw) It flows PLENTY of air for even a moderately modded engine AND filters the air better than 'the competition'. Don't compromise air quality for air volume (ie, K&N 'drop-in' filter!!!)

[Marv]

Thanks for the info Jason.

Any idea why the Optimas don't fare too well with the PSD?