396BB starter amp draw - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GMC69 · 07-03-2011, 04:18 PM

I'm curious to find out what the average current draw of a starter is supposed to be on a 396BB.

Reason I ask is that I have, on occasion had problems starting it. Sounds like a dead battery, but all power dies. I have load tested the battery and all is good ( I have a load tester from work). One thing I tried today was to remove a disconnect switch the P.O. had installed. I read the switch and it has a rating of 20amps continuous and 125 amp intermittent.

I removed the switch from the circuit and will try testing once it sits again. It is starting fine now that it is removed, but the problem was intermittent.

I tried searching but can't really find much on it.

cdowns · 07-03-2011, 05:50 PM

clean battery cables terminals and ground wire connection for positive electrical flow

hayhauler71 · 07-03-2011, 06:00 PM

Most starters I have tested draw 75 to 250 amps. When hot they can draw up to 300

GMC69 · 07-03-2011, 06:12 PM

All connections clean, without crawling under the truck to check the starter. When it was appraised recently, for engine cleanliness, it was listed as show condition. My wife's new SUV doesn't have an engine bay as clean as this.

Seeing that the switch was listed as 125amp intermittent, my bet is the switch is the problem. Plus I am not sure how high the compression is on the engine. I only know it has headers, edlebrock intake, Holley carb, HEI. Cam is unknown or any internal changes. The engine came out of a 68 Chevelle cause they put a 502 in it.
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07-03-2011, 04:18 PM	#1
GMC69 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Posts: 734	396BB starter amp draw I'm curious to find out what the average current draw of a starter is supposed to be on a 396BB. Reason I ask is that I have, on occasion had problems starting it. Sounds like a dead battery, but all power dies. I have load tested the battery and all is good ( I have a load tester from work). One thing I tried today was to remove a disconnect switch the P.O. had installed. I read the switch and it has a rating of 20amps continuous and 125 amp intermittent. I removed the switch from the circuit and will try testing once it sits again. It is starting fine now that it is removed, but the problem was intermittent. I tried searching but can't really find much on it. __________________ Mike Email: Click here to email me -- 2019 Silvedrado 4x4 1970 Chevy 3/4 ton, 396BB, on air bags

07-03-2011, 05:50 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: 396BB starter amp draw clean battery cables terminals and ground wire connection for positive electrical flow __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-03-2011, 06:00 PM	#3
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: 396BB starter amp draw Most starters I have tested draw 75 to 250 amps. When hot they can draw up to 300 __________________ Fuzzy

07-03-2011, 06:12 PM	#4
GMC69 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Posts: 734	Re: 396BB starter amp draw All connections clean, without crawling under the truck to check the starter. When it was appraised recently, for engine cleanliness, it was listed as show condition. My wife's new SUV doesn't have an engine bay as clean as this. Seeing that the switch was listed as 125amp intermittent, my bet is the switch is the problem. Plus I am not sure how high the compression is on the engine. I only know it has headers, edlebrock intake, Holley carb, HEI. Cam is unknown or any internal changes. The engine came out of a 68 Chevelle cause they put a 502 in it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Mike Email: Click here to email me -- 2019 Silvedrado 4x4 1970 Chevy 3/4 ton, 396BB, on air bags



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