What is the voltage meter suposed to do at start-up?

[quickthrill]

My voltage guage drops considerably when cranking. The truck does not want to start until it is cranked ALOT. I put two new interstate bats in last year so I don't believe that is the problem. Could it be the batt cables?

[NoRalPh]

Sure it could be the cables, BUT it could be LOTS of other stuff too.....

First, voltage - put a volt meter on the system (you can use the "Acc" plug in the cab) but you have to remember that the GP system is drawing a Hugh amount of current for a long time and THEN you're adding the load of the starter so, don't be surprised to see it drop down around 10v when cranking.

Does it seem to be cranking really slowly after say, 5 sec?

Did it start quickly this summer? Could it be temperature related?

Define "cranked ALOT", actually time it (you know, 1-Mississippi, 2-Mississippi )

[HOUTX01X]

before i got my new interstates my old ones would drop the voltage down significantly on the stock meter. it would take longer than normal to crank.. new batteries in voltage moves a tiny amount not to much when starting. truck starts in 1 sec or so.. a lot faster than before.