Forum Discussion
Matt_Colie
Feb 05, 2023Explorer II
Evelyn,
Simple start of a diagnostic tree:
If it doesn't start after sitting, it is the batteries.
Charge the batteries.
If it still doesn't start, look for a bad connection to the starter.
If it started once and will not start 3~6 days later, you have a parasitic load killing the batteries.
If you take it somewhere and it doesn't want to start to come home, that can be the alternator.
If the lights get dim when running at night, that it the alternator.
Early in the game, buy a plug in the lighter volt meter. Running you should see 13.5~14.5 Volts. After sitting should be 12.5~12.6. After three days, it should still say ~12.5.
Cranking, the thing should stay over 10.0 Volts. If it drops below that, you have a problem that needs to be identified.
The year 454 should have a 27SI alternator. They come in lots of flavors. If it has a single sheave pulley, do not install a replacement that is over 100 amp because it can make short work of that single belt.
Matt
Simple start of a diagnostic tree:
If it doesn't start after sitting, it is the batteries.
Charge the batteries.
If it still doesn't start, look for a bad connection to the starter.
If it started once and will not start 3~6 days later, you have a parasitic load killing the batteries.
If you take it somewhere and it doesn't want to start to come home, that can be the alternator.
If the lights get dim when running at night, that it the alternator.
Early in the game, buy a plug in the lighter volt meter. Running you should see 13.5~14.5 Volts. After sitting should be 12.5~12.6. After three days, it should still say ~12.5.
Cranking, the thing should stay over 10.0 Volts. If it drops below that, you have a problem that needs to be identified.
The year 454 should have a 27SI alternator. They come in lots of flavors. If it has a single sheave pulley, do not install a replacement that is over 100 amp because it can make short work of that single belt.
Matt
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