69 c10 start issues

[blown&0chevelle]

hi there truck was running and starting perfect. Didn't leave any accessories on. went to store and came back and it wasn't holding enough charge to start truck. got jumped and started fine. Truck is overly grounded everywhere. So what could be issue. Maybe starter? comments would be much appreciated. thanks

[franken]

Get a voltmeter and measure across the battery before starting and when running. Write down the numbers. Post them.

[VetteVet]

I'd recommend cleaning both cable ends and the negative ground and the positive connection on the starter as well as the battery terminals, also check the liquid level in the battery if it's a wet cell battery. Then do the voltage measurements like Franken mentioned.

If you get 11.5 to 12.5 volts on the battery not running and 14.5 running then the charging system is OK. I've had this issue many times and just cleaning the connections solved the problem.

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by VetteVet

I'd recommend cleaning both cable ends and the negative ground and the positive connection on the starter as well as the battery terminals, also check the liquid level in the battery if it's a wet cell battery. Then do the voltage measurements like Franken mentioned.

If you get 11.5 to 12.5 volts on the battery not running and 14.5 running then the charging system is OK. I've had this issue many times and just cleaning the connections solved the problem.

UN hook the neg with truck off. Put the alligator of test light on neg wire rich the pointer end to battery neg. If it's lit up you have a short or something drawing off of battery. If it is lit I usually start pulling fuses if it goes off when pulling one you found the draw. You don't have you hei wired directly to bat do you? It will draw the battery down. And electric choke on the carb will too.

[blown&0chevelle]

well I have 11.9 volts on it not running. 11.54 when I turn ignition on. Just haven't started it. I will jump it and see what those readings are. lights and everything work fine. So I am almost supposing it may be solenoid on starter. What do you all think? thanks

[blown&0chevelle]

I also don't have hei ignition still running on point system. And electric choke is to the fuse panel.

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by blown&0chevelle

I also don't have hei ignition still running on point system. And electric choke is to the fuse panel.

Ok if the choke is to ignition on only you should be fine. Like I said if you remove the neg cable and put a test light between the cable and battery with everything off including domel light, hood light etc. The test light should remain off. If it's on then something is pulling a load off the battery while it's setting. If nothing is I would check the battery cables good especially if they have had the ends replaced. The corrosion can leach it's way under the rubber coatings and cause them to have a lot of resistance. That's why it seems to start fine with a jump because you are adding extra amps to overcome what your loosing in resistance. I have took cables off that physically looked fine but the copper under the coating was corroded and green packed with crud and not allowing for a good flow of current. Think of your cable like a drain pipe no matter how large if junk starts building up flow slows down . It starts small and keeps collecting getting worse till it backs up to a trickle. When you Chang ends you start with a bad connection to begin with and then depending on what replacement you use (usually cheap bolt ons) the different metals react to make corrosion. Electricity and water enhance that reaction. It could also just be a battery on its last leg. But from my experience if there was not a draw/short. It was 9 out of 10 the cables or ends. Usually if it's starter cyl you can tap it and it will try. But a low battery or weak amperage will cause the same symptoms.