Starter or Alternator-guess which is messed up - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1974ChevyC10 · 01-02-2003, 02:37 AM

tonite i go to get some gas for my truck and i put the key in-turn the key-turns over but weakly.tried it again and it wouldnt turn over at all.the battery is 5 months old i replaced it in july so i really doubt its the battery but it is possible.i feel its the starter myself but i want to get a second set of opinions.give me your thoughts and opinions on it.thanks in advance guys

Prerunner1982 · 01-02-2003, 02:42 AM

does the starter sound like its trying to turn over at all? click? do the lights dim? does it go completely dead? do the lights/accesories work at all? if it sounds weak sounds to me like a bad battery, there is a chance it might have a bad cell.... i am by no means and expert here, just my observations...

1974ChevyC10 · 01-02-2003, 02:57 AM

turned the lights on and they all seem to be bright.didnt seem to dim when i cranked it either.all lights and accessories seem to work.last night on my way home my truck stalled out and when i cranked it over it seemed weaker than normal.it could be the battery but i dont know since i replaced it just 5 months ago

1974ChevyC10 · 01-02-2003, 03:06 AM

ok i went outside to double check.i turned the lights on and to me they seemed to be as bright as they normally are.i turned the key and surprise it started but only stayed running for about 10 seconds...its cold outside and my truck hates cold weather.then i hit the key to try and restart it and nothing.so it may be the battery or it may be the starter or alternator.who knows.anyone have this problem happen to them before.oh yeah the lights didnt go dim during cranking

SCOTI · 01-02-2003, 07:03 AM

Check connections for corrosion & make sure all grounds are solid. If everything looks OK, I would pull the starter & take it to the local parts house that can bench test the unit. If it's weak, replace the starter & solenoid as a unit. Put a voltmeter on the battery & see what kind of voltage you have while your at it.

J-Spec C10 · 01-02-2003, 12:30 PM

most places that sell batteries can load test it for you. The alternator can be tested by starting the truck and disconnecting the battery. If the truck still runs strong, the alternator is the problem. As fot the starter, they are known to be weak when hot, so if your timing is advanced a bit too much, then when the truck is hot the starter just doesnt work well enough.

(WOOOHOO!! 100 legitimate posts!!.... avatar for me....

)

SCOTI · 01-02-2003, 01:57 PM

J-Spec that method of checking alt output is not definite. One or more of the diodes in the alt can be bad & it will still convert some of the current (usually enough to keep it running). A voltage check would be more accurate.

J-Spec C10 · 01-02-2003, 05:53 PM

scoti: sorry,I forgot that part, the voltage should stay at 14.6 right?

**swervin ervin** · 01-02-2003, 06:13 PM

I've also heard that if you do this with an internally regulated alternator, you can quickly burn it up. Not sure on this, just something I read somewhere.

But you are right, it used to be if you took the positive battery cable off, and it died, it was good sign the alternator was bad.

May not be the case anymore though.

SCOTI · 01-02-2003, 07:11 PM

From what I remember it can damage the diodes, but it's been a long time since I wrenched for a living. Maybe someone else w/more recent experience can add to this post??

LOHRTBT · 01-02-2003, 07:38 PM

100+100=200

Just adding to the post!! hahaahah:p

SCOTI · 01-02-2003, 07:55 PM

Or 5+4=9???? j/k

**swervin ervin** · 01-02-2003, 08:35 PM

Hey, that's not adding to the post, it's adding in the post.

Clowns.

10,000 comedians are out of work, and you two are trying to be funny. LOL

LOHRTBT · 01-02-2003, 09:06 PM

LOL!

Sometimes laughter is the only solution to lifes "problems"

01-02-2003, 02:37 AM	#1
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	Starter or Alternator-guess which is messed up tonite i go to get some gas for my truck and i put the key in-turn the key-turns over but weakly.tried it again and it wouldnt turn over at all.the battery is 5 months old i replaced it in july so i really doubt its the battery but it is possible.i feel its the starter myself but i want to get a second set of opinions.give me your thoughts and opinions on it.thanks in advance guys __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

01-02-2003, 02:42 AM	#2
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	does the starter sound like its trying to turn over at all? click? do the lights dim? does it go completely dead? do the lights/accesories work at all? if it sounds weak sounds to me like a bad battery, there is a chance it might have a bad cell.... i am by no means and expert here, just my observations... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

01-02-2003, 02:57 AM	#3
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	turned the lights on and they all seem to be bright.didnt seem to dim when i cranked it either.all lights and accessories seem to work.last night on my way home my truck stalled out and when i cranked it over it seemed weaker than normal.it could be the battery but i dont know since i replaced it just 5 months ago __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

01-02-2003, 03:06 AM	#4
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	ok i went outside to double check.i turned the lights on and to me they seemed to be as bright as they normally are.i turned the key and surprise it started but only stayed running for about 10 seconds...its cold outside and my truck hates cold weather.then i hit the key to try and restart it and nothing.so it may be the battery or it may be the starter or alternator.who knows.anyone have this problem happen to them before.oh yeah the lights didnt go dim during cranking __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

01-02-2003, 07:03 AM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,132	Check connections for corrosion & make sure all grounds are solid. If everything looks OK, I would pull the starter & take it to the local parts house that can bench test the unit. If it's weak, replace the starter & solenoid as a unit. Put a voltmeter on the battery & see what kind of voltage you have while your at it. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-02-2003, 12:30 PM	#6
J-Spec C10 Whats this wire for?.... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 378	most places that sell batteries can load test it for you. The alternator can be tested by starting the truck and disconnecting the battery. If the truck still runs strong, the alternator is the problem. As fot the starter, they are known to be weak when hot, so if your timing is advanced a bit too much, then when the truck is hot the starter just doesnt work well enough. (WOOOHOO!! 100 legitimate posts!!.... avatar for me.... ) __________________ Kyle CANADIAN CONNECTION '82 C10 Resto-Custom--> * 2 1/4" manifold back dual exhaust with Hooker Aerochambers & High Flow Cats Taylor Ignition Wires Centerline 15" Telstars with 32"x10" mudders

01-02-2003, 01:57 PM	#7
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,132	J-Spec that method of checking alt output is not definite. One or more of the diodes in the alt can be bad & it will still convert some of the current (usually enough to keep it running). A voltage check would be more accurate. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-02-2003, 05:53 PM	#8
J-Spec C10 Whats this wire for?.... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 378	scoti: sorry,I forgot that part, the voltage should stay at 14.6 right? __________________ Kyle CANADIAN CONNECTION '82 C10 Resto-Custom--> * 2 1/4" manifold back dual exhaust with Hooker Aerochambers & High Flow Cats Taylor Ignition Wires Centerline 15" Telstars with 32"x10" mudders

01-02-2003, 06:13 PM	#9
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I've also heard that if you do this with an internally regulated alternator, you can quickly burn it up. Not sure on this, just something I read somewhere. But you are right, it used to be if you took the positive battery cable off, and it died, it was good sign the alternator was bad. May not be the case anymore though. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

01-02-2003, 07:11 PM	#10
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,132	From what I remember it can damage the diodes, but it's been a long time since I wrenched for a living. Maybe someone else w/more recent experience can add to this post?? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-02-2003, 07:38 PM	#11
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	100+100=200 Just adding to the post!! hahaahah:p __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

01-02-2003, 07:55 PM	#12
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,132	Or 5+4=9???? j/k __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 01-02-2003 at 07:57 PM.

01-02-2003, 08:35 PM	#13
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Hey, that's not adding to the post, it's adding in the post. Clowns. 10,000 comedians are out of work, and you two are trying to be funny. LOL __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

01-02-2003, 09:06 PM	#14
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	LOL! Sometimes laughter is the only solution to lifes "problems" __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84



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