7.3 Slow Crank Problems

[driller338]

Ive got a 2000 7.3 4x4 with some slow crank problems. This past winter was a cold one here in Illinois and on some cold mornings, my truck would barely start. And when I say barely, I mean barely. Took it and had the batteries tested, and they were shot. So I installed 2 new batteries....that made a huge difference; it cranked fast and with enough oomph to get her started.

About a month later, it was still cranking the same, but it took a little longer to fire. Even when i had it in my 50* garage, it cranked longer than normal before it started. So i thought what the heck, and ran up to NAPA and got a new GPR and threw it in. It started a lot easier with a new GPR, and i thought problem solved...

Well now, 2 months after i installed new batteries, the thing cranks slower than ever when cold. I cycle my GPs 3 times and then turn the key and it cranks about 10 times, slower and slower until it almost stops cranking all together. I turn the key off, cycle the GPs once more, and try it again. The 2nd time it cranks a little faster, but still no start. The 3rd sequence it fires right up and runs perfect. After having ran it, later on in the day, it spins fairly good and fires up like normal....as long as it still has a little bit of heat left i guess.

What are your thoughts? I was thinking maybe the starter? I havent tested the batteries yet, since theyre only 2 months old....but maybe i should (the lights dim and my volt gauge goes down when im cranking). I dont really know where to turn to next without pumping a ton of money into taking it to the stealership. Your thoughts are appreciated!!

[Adam-Arc]

Mines starts faster with a little heat still in it too.

Look at your battery cable ends. Old batteries don't charge/ low cca's with bad ends. New batteries are better but same thing will happen. I cut the factory ends off and soldered on eyelets and put marine terminals on the battery. Had corrosion in the cables when I cut them.

What the PO did..


What I have now...