Cranking too long before firing
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 20,477
Likes: 15,250
From: Crossroads of America
What voltage do you measure across the battery terminals with the engine running? Just wondering about your charging system. If you have a volt/ohmmeter you can do some basic tests on your alternator, battery power connections and grounds.
Cheers,
Don
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 16
From: Merstham, Surrey
Hi Don.
I think we maybe onto something here. In order of activity today:
1. I measured 12.2V across the battery terminals with the engine off.
2. I measured 12.96V across the terminals of my booster pack before connecting it to the battery
3. I measured 12.45V after connecting the booster pack to the battery.
I then attempted to do the same test as yesterday, videoing the voltage drop as it cranked away.
I had 12.45V under the bonnet (hood) but this dropped to 12.18 when I turned the ignition on, so the start voltage was much the same as yesterday. The difference is that it stared immediately - excellent news I think.
To answer your question above, I get 14.48V across the battery with the engine idling, so I think the charging system is OK, but the battery maybe tired. I will fully charge it off the car overnight tonight and see what happens in the morning.
Thanks for everyone's help in this, it's been a learning experience for me for sure.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 16
From: Merstham, Surrey
Well I fitted my fully charged battery this morning and voila, instant starting.
Why oh why didn't I listen to Nibster way back in March? it would have saved me a lot of faffing about. Still, I learned a lot through it and didn't spend much money so not all bad.
Thanks again everyone.
Why oh why didn't I listen to Nibster way back in March? it would have saved me a lot of faffing about. Still, I learned a lot through it and didn't spend much money so not all bad.
Thanks again everyone.
Last edited by Freebird; May 1, 2017 at 02:14 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 16
From: Merstham, Surrey
Ahhhh.
It looks like I spoke too soon. A new battery and it's still got the problem.
The voltages are better as expected, but it still takes just as long to fire. See video.
Next job on the list is to take a plug out and see if there is a spark during the cranking time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J8I...ature=youtu.be
It looks like I spoke too soon. A new battery and it's still got the problem.
The voltages are better as expected, but it still takes just as long to fire. See video.
Next job on the list is to take a plug out and see if there is a spark during the cranking time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J8I...ature=youtu.be