I have 1991 dodge 350. Friday afternoon I try to start the truck Very slow turning over. I check the battery with a digital volt meter shows 14volts test while trying to start shows 12 volts any ideas on what the problem might be. thanks joe

 

try cleaning the batt terminals first
Clark

 

Sounds like dirty terminals or a bad cable. Check the voltage drop across the cables while cranking, it should be no greater than 0.2 volt. Voltage drop is checked by puting the meter leads at each end of the cable.

 

Do as wannadiesel said then check your starter

 

I had a hard time finding a hard start problem in my truck. It seemed like when it was warm it was harder to start, so i figured it was the injection pump. But it turned out to be the starter. It was only running half capacity, but still sounded like it was turning over fine. I'd get the starter checked out if the cables are fine.

 

Always start by cleaning the cables first, then do the voltage drop tests on all cables, including the grounds, check the cables AND the lug connections. The voltages you said you have sound hi for what you are doing. 14 v is charging volts while running, 12.6 to 12.7 is batt volts of a fully charged batt. Cranking volts should be above 10.5 while cranking, most run 11. to 11.5 v while cranking.

 

Hemi Cat

I just did a voltage test on mine tonight while it was cranking. Voltage at the battery went down to under 10v

It fires on the second revolution, most fire on 1/2 revolution it seems

What would the low voltage on cranking indicate?

Maybe the starter is on it's last legs..........?

Cable looks good

thanks

Jeff

 

I would do a load test on the batteries next. Also do a voltage check with the eng running about 1200 rpm, should be above 14V, usually around 14.4-14.7V. Then turn on the headlights, blower fan on hi with A/C on, and any other electrical accy, then take another voltage reading, should be above 13 V, usually 13.8 or so. Make sure the belt is tensioned and not glazed. If charging volts are good and load test is good, it's probably in the starter. If the batts are old and the load test is marginal, replace the batts and retest the cranking volts. Good luck

 

I replaced the starter. Still won't turn over. Replace the battery truck starts. Should have tried battery first.