I have a 2001 3500 hd Chevy that I use as a dump truck. It has a 6.5 turbo diesel. I have almost 80,000 miles on the truck and it has been extremely reliable. However, recently its been slow starting it almost sounds like I'm trying to start the truck with dead battery's. The battery's are pretty new so I'm doubting that is my problem. Battery gauge reads a little lower than my other diesels under normal operating conditions (not sure if that helps). I don't want to be stranded some where with 4 or 5 tons in the back so I would like to fix now. Appreciate any help. Thanks

2001 Chevy 3500 hd, 2wd. Dump truck 6.5 turbo diesel.

 

Have you had the batteries load tested and the alternator output checked?...Just because they're fairly new doesn't necessarily mean they're good......Ben

 

Have you checked that the battery terminals are clean and the grounds are good. It could also be the starter getting worn out.

 

battery terminals are clean, really clean. I was leaning toward starter or alternator. But wanted to get some ideas from everybody just in case I am over looking something obvious. Thanks

 

I would look at the connections at the starter, then the starter.

 

Pretty descent 6.5 info here.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21

 

Do a voltage drop test on ALL the cables including the ones between the batteries. Positive lead of your voltmeter to the "more positive" end of the cable, negative to the "more negative" end of the cable. Crank and check voltage, you should have no more than 0.2 volts on a cable while cranking. This will show up bad cables and bad connections - recheck the connections for being clean and tight if you find a cable that shows excessive drop.

 

If it is charging ok and the batteries are testing good then I would look for any bulging in the ground cables, actually grab the cable in different area's and check to see it it is real stiff and not pliable. Also remove the ground cable from the engine block and inspect it, look for any signs of corrosion at the eyelet crimp point, a little corrosion on the outside means a lot of corrosion on the inside. If this is the case replace the cable.

Poor grounds can mimic a lot of charging or starting problems.

Let us know what you find.

 

thanks for all the ideas. Now its my turn to get checkin! I'll update later.

 

check the glowing sparkplugs !

 

Check passenger side positive cables when this happens. Grab them and give them a little twist and will prob start right up.
Have seen starters, alternators and batteries replaced over this gremlin.