So here's the issue. I have a 98 12v, a few months ago my engine started turning over really slow. It would start right away, it would just grunt once or twice and then vroom. It blows quite a bit of smoke when this happens especially when I first start it in the morning. It always starts.....wait for it...... except if I do something dumb like leave the lights on for a few minutes, and I mean just a few minutes. That's when it acts like the battery is dead, radio and lights still work just not enough juice to start up the truck. I replaced the starter a few years ago when I started to get the clicky intermittent starting but I never put Larrys kit into it although I do have one.
So I'm looking for some solid ideas here guys. Do I start with the batteries or do I head for the starter?
Anyone?

 

If it only takes a few minutes of leaving your lights on to prevent starting, I would look at your batteries first. Disconnect them and charge them separately, then take them to be tested. Remember they should not be connected together when they are tested. Also have a good look at their connections while you are in there.

If one is weak, it's a good practice to replace both at the same time with identical batteries.

 

How old are your batteries?

I sure as heck can leave my lights on for quite a while before it affects starting.

Start by having your batteries load tested independently of each other, check/clean the connections, then think starter, don't think cheap starter either......