hard to start, wont start

[59ApacheKid]

my 90 E-350 takes a long time of cranking to fire, or wont fire at all. and drains the batteries like crazy (6 cranks and there dead). and when its running the alt decides that if im going over 55 it doesnt want to charge. but anything below that it charges just fine... does anyone have any ideas of whats goin on??? i just replaced both batteries, tested the alt and its good.

[dakotajeep]

How are your cables? When I replaced my cables it was night and day better starting.

More importantly you need to ensure you glow plugs and the glow plug relay is fuctioning. With summertime weather it shouldnt take too much to make an IDI start quickly. But with these rigs you definately need to check those two items often.

In terms of charging I am at a loss.....sounds weird.

Good Luck.

Thad

[59ApacheKid]

cables are almost new, connection might be loose on one, havent checked that... might be the glow plugs, havent checked them...

thanks Thad!

[dakotajeep]

How long do your glow plugs stay on? If its a second or two that signals a problem. Should be roughly from 7 to 10 seconds or so.

Thad