No load battery voltage....

[tcb-1]

my truck is still giving me starting issues. fuel system is fine now.

still running a points distributor so, what should my battery be registering, at no load, cold. I'm getting 12.2 but I'm thinking that not enough.

I know, I need someone to crank while I put a meter on the battery...... the battery gauge in the truck shows right in the middle during cranking, but that doesn't mean a lot.

Anyone have an idea what voltage a points set up needs to function. On my old Triumph bikes, that I went to electronic ignition, I had to have at least 14 volts registering on the battery, cold or it would not start.....

thanks, sorry for a stupid question

[Sport/Truck]

your battery is weak. Should be higher.....I'll find a link for you.
s/t

[Sport/Truck]

Here it is. http://www.odysseybatteries.com/charging.htm
BTW these battery's rock!
s/t

[DavesRide]

Do you have a generator with external regulator?
I have watched many charging systems (alternator) if not under load go towards 13+ Volts with internal alternator. What again are your starting problems? The gauge inside truck can be very deceiving. My brother's old 66 gauge (generator) would peg if you honked the horn while running and then go back normal. Check at the battery with a good meter like a FLUKE and check it without any load and check with load like all lights on, fan on, and radio. It should never drop below 12 V ever or it is discharging battery.

[joedoozer]

yeah test it with a good known meter. and go to napa or your local parts store and buy a toaster. battery load tester, that will tell you what shape it is in.

[tcb-1]

since I've been into restoring bikes so long, my charger is only for a small 12 volt battery. soooooo I have the battery in the garage on the motorcycle charger. I'm going to leave it on all night. I thought the battery (Exide) was still "good", but it may be getting the boot soon.....

I actually have a digital Craftsman volt meter, but I may run to Napa and buy the battery load tester as well (thanks Joedoozer!)

[HotGMC]

i dont know to much on the subject, but i know mine runs around 15 3/4-17 volts.

is it having issues starting or just you think the volts are low?

[tcb-1]

Originally Posted by HotGMC

i dont know to much on the subject, but i know mine runs around 15 3/4-17 volts.

is it having issues starting or just you think the volts are low?

both. but I think the battery is the culprit.

[DavesRide]

Originally Posted by HotGMC

i dont know to much on the subject, but i know mine runs around 15 3/4-17 volts.

is it having issues starting or just you think the volts are low?

Having tested many autos for voltage I have never seen any that high. That will boil the juice out of a battery.

[AlienYouth]

like 12.7-13 is full charge

somethin like 14-15 while running

[DavesRide]

Never seen that on a normal vehicle. I really haven't. 9v under full load is lowest on good batttery under full load and 14.v while regulator is in "give it all to me" mode.

[Wreckless_71]

your battery should be right around 12v if you walk out of your house and put a volt meter on it... it should be about 14.6v while charging (running). Dave's right 15-17 will create a very unsatesfactory smell from your battery and is quite dangerous, I deffinitly would not be standing around to test that battery!

[jef5150]

just because the voltage is 13-14volts at the battery while the motor is running doesnt mean your battery has enough "AMPERAGE" to re-start the car.It means your alternator is charging.

i would swap batteries from a good car,if it cranks over good and starts right up replace your battery.If you still have the same symptoms i would then check for loose cable/oily connection, especially the ground.Even if your "battery charger" says its "fullycharged" you could have a bad cell and it will still "slow crank" your motor .

jeff