I didnt really know where this would go so here it is. My car will not start randomly. But its becuause the battery will not charge. I think that i need a new battery since its four years old. But the next day after it has had time to cool, the battery charges and starts the car till I get on it or the car gets very hot. Is the heat of the engine doing somthing to my charging system. Its really annoying. Somedays when i really get on it for a short time and come home the battery is dead. I tested the alternator with a voltometer and it tested fine. Im completely confused on this. If someone can give me some help i would appreciate it.

 

Take the car to a good tire shop, or battery shop, and they can run a load test on the alternator and battery right there. Even a new battery can show full voltage, but not have enough amps to crank things over the way it should, due to bad cells (ask me how I know). This should tell you your problem rather quickly. If it is the battery, make sure to by a good one, get a replacement warranty with it. On a side note, I had an original battery in my 99 S-10 that only lasted 2 years. Batteries are fickle, and can lend themselves to creating all sorts of problems. Also check to make sure all your battery lead connections are good, cables are good (cheap to replace, good insurance), and that your ground strap is connected.

 

are you judging the "dead battery" on things like lights not working right or on the motor not be able to turn over. if the first then carry it to a parts store, they can help diagnose the battery, if the second, you are probably suffering from "heat soak" on the starter. if the car turns over cold and won't hot that is most likely your problem. do you have headers on the car if so they probably aren't helping the situation any.

 

Ya i have headers on my car. What can i do to prevent heat soak. I purchased a new battery becuase the one in there needed it. I havent gotten the car real hot yet so ill see if it has problems starting again. thanks for the help guys..

 

Buy a heat shield that mounts to starter, or wrap it in a heat blanket. Both available thru Jegs or Summit. Your starter needs to be in top shape as well. A tired, well used starter will be affected more by the heat soak. They are cheap enough to install, if you havent already, while you are under there.

 

With Jet-Hot coated headers, and an AC Delco stock starter, I have had zero problems with heat soak.

 

Don't forget the battery cables. As the temp raises the impedance in them does so also. If they are old and corroded they may be the reason the battery isn't charging and the car won't start while hot.

 

What starter are you using? For a while I had the cheap one from O'Reilly's and it wouldn't work once it got hot.