What is normal "warm" starting time

[bwvick]

I have just had my new (to me) powerstroke for over a week now. It is a 01 model.

Facts...
Replaced both of the batteries when I got it because 1 of them tested bad.
My GPR is not functioning, will be replacing it this weekend.


Now my question, any time i crank the engine whether hot (just drove 20 miles to work) or cool (40 degree morning after sitting all night), it takes about 3-5 seconds to crank. The voltage meeter in the dash will drop to around 9 volts while cranking. I put an amp clamp on the (+) lead leaving the 2nd battery and it peaks at about 20 amps when warm, then slowly drops back to about 0-2 after the truck starts (takes about a minute to go back to 0-2). With my gasser I was used to about a 1 second start.

So my question, is this starting time normal? I thought maybe the starter is weak, but it is not pulling an accessive amount of amperage. I know the glow plugs not functioning will cause crank time to be longer if it is cool, but should not affect when the engine is hot.

Thanks in advance,
Brad

[Zaairman]

Sounds normal, especially if your GPR is out.

[dereku]

heck without glow plugs mine doesnt even start ifs its really cold. less than 20.

[thebierguy]

When mine is warm, it sometimes starts within 1 second but never more than 2 seconds. When it is colder it could take 2-3 seconds to start, but I don't have the stock starter in it. The previous owner installed a new one and I am not sure if the higher power one was installed. It turns over pretty quick.

[Austin G]

Have to remember that there isn't a magical spark that gets the engine going. So it might take a few revolutions to get the compression and heat that is required to start.

[late_99_PSD]

It peaks around 20 amps????? Something isn't right, I assume with the amp clamp, because their is no way your starter will only pull 20 amps and still turn over and start. Need somewhere around 200-600 amps.

[Dave]

It probably isnt an autoranging VOM.

[bwvick]

it was a fluke rms ampmeter

[bwvick]

BTW... took it to an advance or az (can't remember which it was). and they read 0 amps on the starter draw and 0 amps on alt output, which is bogus.

[eddie p]

Hi, I was just visiting here, but just a couple of things on using the clamp meter to check amperage. The clamp has to have a "dc amps" position on the switch (many clamp meters by fluke are "ac" amps only until u get into the really expensive ones.) Also, the clamp is directional (only reads in one direction) u may have known all this already, but it might help someone else. Thks, Eddie