Just put new spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor and rotor in my '95 5.8 liter on Sunday. Everything went good....maybe too good. Fired right up and ran good. This morning, after sitting idle monday and tuesday, it started slow. 8 mile trip to day care, turned it off and dropped the 4 year off.....total of 10 minutes or so. Then started slow but ran to Advance Auto for an air filter purchase (about 3 miles). Then would not crank. Tested Battery and it was fine. Anyway, a set of jumper cables and a jump start it fired right up. Drove it for 30 minutes to make sure it had a decent charge. Let it sit for about 45 minutes and it started slow yet again. Can anybody help me with this problem? Starter? Batttery? Whats happening here?
Starting - First Woes
- Thread starter cah193
- Start date
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Bronco_Willis
New member
I would check your alternator as well? possibly its not charging the battery correctly. My old Dodge had the same issues and after replacing the starter and battery, it was because the alternator was only working from time to time
crazyhorse85
Member
If i'm thinking correctly i'd say it's in the battery...if it was the starter turning that slow it would smoke the silionoid in a heart beat....i'd have the alternator check out and if i'm not mistaking the regulator is on the back of the alternator....could just be a bad regulator....still abit pricey but not as bad as a complete alternator..... B) hope this helps.....
BroncoJoe19
Active member
You said that the battery was tested... fine.
Did they do a load test on it, or just check the voltage?
The voltage may check out ok (not great) but decay very quickly when put under load (like when trying to start and engine)
How old is the battery? Most after three years are on their last legs.
IF it really is fine, and the voltage was up to normal at the time it tested, yet failed to start, then perhaps you have a failing starter, but more likely a bad battery connection.
It could be either a weak ground or positive connection at the battery, or to the starter relay, or the ground to the block, or from the starter relay to the starter.
With a jump, it is possible to sometimes get enough juice through a weak connection to crank the engine fast enough for it to start.
Did they do a load test on it, or just check the voltage?
The voltage may check out ok (not great) but decay very quickly when put under load (like when trying to start and engine)
How old is the battery? Most after three years are on their last legs.
IF it really is fine, and the voltage was up to normal at the time it tested, yet failed to start, then perhaps you have a failing starter, but more likely a bad battery connection.
It could be either a weak ground or positive connection at the battery, or to the starter relay, or the ground to the block, or from the starter relay to the starter.
With a jump, it is possible to sometimes get enough juice through a weak connection to crank the engine fast enough for it to start.
I am really thinking it is the starter. The Battery shows a manufacture date of 01/2008, and looks brand new. I bought this truck about 3 weeks ago and today is the first time I have had starting problems. The more I think about this the more I think it is starter drag. I'm just dreading putting one on. Had to convince the wife this was a good buy.....all it needs is a good bath, new plug wires, plugs, distributor cap and rotor, no big deal......now I can hear saying "I knew this thing would nickle and dime us". BUT IT IS STILL A GOOD LOOKING TRUCK. LOL!
Bronco_Willis
New member
Fix your problem? I only ask because after pulling my rig out of the garage to test the new power steering pressure hose I put on and adjusting the idol, I had NO power to the truck after a few starts. Thought my battery was dead. So I hooked up the power starter and got nothing still. Not even accessories. After wiggling the positive battery cable it started again like a charm. I replaced the cable and it starts better than ever now. Just some insight
