1957 3100 - battery charging issues and questions

[hplacecf]

Originally Posted by Wheelie

Slow crank usually is a bad ground or low voltage to the starter. Those old starters draw a lot of amps when cranking so the wiring and starter need to be in good shape. Id check and see how many volts are right at the starter in comparison to at the battery, since you replaced the positive wire then its probably good but I noticed you didn't mention the ground. Its probably a ground or an internal starter issue.

I had replaced all of the grounds earlier on, as a first step, so it if it is not grounds, it sounds like the starter - which again, look ancient.


initially, I thought I just had one problem, but it turned out that I have had several to work through. first time of that for me, but this is an old truck, and I guess that is to be expected as I really do not know the history of the truck. but getting closer to running every day.

will update thread again after work on the starter.

thanks

[hplacecf]

update:

I pulled the starter today.
wow was it heavy!

i opened it up, for fun, and the interior is a dirty grimy mess. brushes and springs looked ok size/function-wise, but the copper and everything else was dingy or dull.

I was thinking of taking it apart myself, and maybe trying to clean it up, but after all this time and effort with everything else, I took it to my local auto repair place to have it sent our for a rebuild (the same place that handled the generator rebuild for me).

will report back once the starter is in. man I hope it starts after that.....

[hplacecf]

ISSUE RESOLVED.

finally...


first, thanks to all for the helpful advice. collectively, you all helped.

second, I am documenting my experience for anyone as unfortunate as me.


So, here is what caused my battery not charging and no start issue... everything.

bad battery. replaced it, but still no good.

then
bad battery cables. replaced them, but still no good.

then
bad/weak grounds. replaced/augmented them, but still no good.

then
voltage regulator. looked original (in a bad way). replaced it, but still no good.

then
generator. looked original (in a bad way). replaced it, and the generator was charging, and the battery held a charge, but still no good.

then
starter. looked original (in a bad way), and the engine cranked, but would only start if the battery was jumped or at max charge. replaced it and was good to go.


so, all of these things 'together' fixed my issue. maybe I could have gotten by without changing out the voltage regulator, but it was less than $20, so no big loss there.

thanks again for the advice.

now, on to the next issues....

[OrrieG]

Thanks for the update, glad you got it resolved.

[Highsider]

Thanks for finishing up this saga.
I enjoyed reading along with the developments.
Sounds like you can be secure with these important items.

[capnduane]

Sometimes when chasing down problems with these old trucks, the fix is obvious and easy. Then you can have what I call the double whammy, where two things are wrong. Then, every once and a while the triple whammy occurs. And yes, the quadruple whammy is possible, and does occur. One must work logicly, and patiently, and success can be yours! Congratulations, it feels great when things turn out good..... Quintuple whammy?