Hi guys,

I got a 1986 T/A with the TPI 305 and has been having a hard start problem that started at the end of last summer and is still a problem...the battery has 650CCA-810CA at 32 degreesF (it was 61 degreesF today)...is my battery to small or is my starter going bad and drawing too many amps?...if the battery is too small what amp battery do I need!

Ohh...I have no high amp audio equipment installed.

Thanks!

 

that is plenty of battery for you. it sounds like you have a draw from somewhere. something is draining you battery fast. when you started having the problem did you do ANYTHING that was wiring related? and put a load tester on to make sure you are getting a full signal from the alt.

load tester should read 14.5 or so volts. if its around 12 then get a new alt.

 

The last wiring I did was install an aftermarket CD player and subs, but that was about two yrs ago...this is a more recent issue...the alternator never crossed my mind, I'll have to check that out...Thanks!!!!!!!!

 

The alternator tested okay at 14 volts

The battery at 12 volts

 

when the car was running you were getting 14 volts? if so, i would hook that load tester up andd watch it while you have someone try to start it. see if it "drains" the battery. and does it normally just click, like the battery is dead when you try to start it cold? and does it only happen after sitting a couple days? or will it do it after a couple hours of sitting?

 

Yes, I was getting 14 volts with the car running.

With the battery charged to 100% via my charger I tried starting the car, the voltmeter went down to 6volts and the motor rolled to slow to fire and the battery was reduced to 60%.

Last year it would start okay cold, but roll over slow after being driven...after two quick stops around town it wouldn't roll over like the battery was dying and had to have the wife come to give me a jump start. I am wondering if I have an mystery power draw somewhere but I don't know what to do to find it.

 

your battery is bad probably has an internal short. get the biggest battery your money and size dictates. You can never go wrong with the optima sealed lead acid battery they are 800 cca and 1000 amp at 32*

 

Well I tried a 700cca battery from my buddy's car and and the motor spun and fired in two revolutions! ...better start saving for a new battery!...Thanks for all the input guys!!!

 

glad you got it figured out