Hard Starting

[jurzbill]

I changed my cranking batteries and since then starting engine has been harder. It takes a longer cranking time to get the engine to start. Any suggestions.

[2oldman]

Ok, I'll ask. What rating were the old batteries, and what rating are the new ones?

[fivejackie]

Make sure the battery is fully charge. Check all the cells with a hydrometer to make sure it is fully charged, may have a dead cell. If all that checks out then have it load tested. I worked for a battery company and our returns that came back, 50% were new. A defect may not appear till after it is bounced around or has been sitting for some time.

Make sure the battery has the right cca (cold cranking amperage) for your engine requirements, not all batteries are the same.

[Rickieblue]

Half the time, people change out batteries when they actually have a charging problem. I suggest you get it running and perform a charging system check. Also it would be a good idea to perform a voltage drop test through all of the connections such as the ground on the engine, started, and alternator. Many times there is high resistance and it surely messes up the starting, and charging functions.

[K_Charles]

When I worked at a dealer for construction equipment, over 1/2 the batteries were good that customers turned in when they bought a new one. Charge the battery then let it set before you load test it, then check the charging system, wires, ground and check for some battery drain. Did you check the starter?

[jurzbill]

Thank you for the replies. Will have it checked out.

[tsetsaf]

Literally dealing with this same issue now. Load tested batteries yesterday 1 is dead the other has bad cells. Both are new.

[23hotrodr]

It is possible for new batteries to be bad. Like the previous poster said, you should have them load tested. Otherwise, make sure all battery connections and cables are clean and in good condition.

Good luck-- Mick

[Ivylog]

Can you tell a difference in how fast the starter spins the engine? If it's slower I'd have the batteries load checked.