Starter Problem?

[Duke]

Well, after a couple of weeks of this happening, searching and finding nothing wrong, I thought I'd best ask better minds than me.
The van starts fine 90% of the time, but the other times it turns over really slowly and after a couple of minutes it will catch. This is after running fine earlier. As an example, yesterday morning fired up Duke (no problems) and drove to the station for fuel, after paying, it cranked over slow and just caught. I've checked the batteries for voltage and corrosion at the terminals, no corrosion and 12.56 volts resting.These are only 2 years old. I fire the van up and the batteries are being charged up at 14.67 volts, so the alternator is working fine, again this is only 2 years old as well. I've checked all of the wires I can find to the starter, alternator, and battery. Again nothing looks out of the ordinary. I'm going to go over it again today to see if there is anything that I've missed.
Is this the sign of a starter on it's way out, or is there some other thing that should be looked at. Other than a blown alternator, I've never had any major trouble. I just don't want to be caught camping at a lake with a van that won't start.
Any suggestions are helpful. Thanks.
Chris

[FalcoColumbarius]

When you said you checked the terminals, did you clean them?
I have found that you can't always see the corrosion. Your description appears like there is sometimes minimal juice getting through. To me that is the invisible corrosion scenario. If you don't already have this tool you can get it at Lordco for under five bucks, it's a little wire brush in a cup for doing the terminals, with a bottle like brush for doing the insides of the cable ends. I would reinvestigate the terminals, especially with all the muggy weather we have been getting lately. Give them a really good clean with the wire brush, both inside the cable ends and the terminals, tighten them up good and cover them up with a little dielectric grease to protect the connexion. Then go for breakfast out at that trucker's cafe by the Husky station on the west side of Hope to charge them (and yourself) up.

Falco.

[yojimbo]

Yeah I've seen terminals corrode in between them and the clamp, and its only noticeable under starting load when you measure the voltage at each and find there is a difference, the other thing is the earthing of the engine can do this, I've not had it on the deli, but poor earth straps on other cars have done this.

[Duke]

Well, after posting I got out there and did just what you both suggested. I removed the batteries and cleaned the terminals. They were'nt corroded at all, but I guess the oxidation does'nt help. While the batteries were out I also checked the wiring for any cracking and continuity. I added a drop of water to top them up and back in they went. I am happy to say that Duke fired up first go, the wifey and I did some running around in town today and so far so good. We'll see how it goes as the week progresses, we did'nt go camping this weekend because of this, but the long weekend coming up...... look out fishies!
Thanks again Falco and Jimbo

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

I added a drop of water to top them up and back in they went. I am happy to say that Duke fired up first go, the wifey and I did some running around in town today and so far so good. Thanks again Falco and Jimbo

I believe you topped off with deionized water.
If things happen next time in a short period, I would say it is time to replace battery from my experience.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Glad it all worked out (toes crossed). I made the mistake of topping the water to the bottom of the plastic tubes, it was then that I learned that when the battery is not charging the water level drops down a quarter inch because the cells absorb the water when there is no charge running through them, just after I painted the battery pan, too! So when the cells charged then battery acid came spewing out the caps and onto my paint job. Sign... life occurs.

Falco.

[Duke]

[/quote]I believe you topped off with deionized water.[/quote]

You bet I did, nothing but the good stuff!

[/quote]I made the mistake of topping the water to the bottom of the plastic tubes, it was then that I learned that when the battery is not charging the water level drops down a quarter inch because the cells absorb the water when there is no charge running through them, just after I painted the battery pan, too![/quote]

It did'nt take a lot of water, very little in fact, plus when they were out I checked them and both had a little over 12.5 volts. I'll check under the seat when I get to work this morning, thats a 40 minute drive on the highway, they should have a good charge then.

[yojimbo]

Cool bananas, it really only takes the slightest layer of oxidation to form a poor connection, and with lead its not easy to see. Also when its hot vs cold the expansion can just make another slight difference. I just replaced the batteries on mine, and I wet and dried all of it as preventative maintenance.

It turns really fast now!

Shame its the alternator that caused the battery to spew its acid and now i need to replace that too :(

Again.