Clifford - 1998 E350 Build

[bemerritt]

Both ends being both starter batteries?

[mgmetalworks]

Check all the cable ends. At the starter, the frame, the engine block, the batteries, fuse panel.

The plug you referred to is a block heater. Just a heating element like you'd find in a water heater. It's inside the block, no connection at all to any of your electrical system.

[bemerritt]

Tested a lot of them with a multimeter, still a beginner with this diesel. Thanks for the tips though. it is hopefully something super simple, I had to wrestle whatever that plastic piece is that connects to the air filter to run some wires under it, thinking something became loose.

[boywonder]

Check that the battery terminals are snug..and clean....my starter + terminal won't tighten down; I suspect that I've been getting an assist from the house batts for some time now. I'm planning on buying a new + batt cable...it's on the list.....

If your battery is going dead over time (parasitic drain somewhere) you can check this by disconnecting one of the batt cables and inserting your multimeter between the battery terminal and cable in amp mode....set the meter for 10A to start with so you don't pop a fuse in the meter.

Canvas looks great, as does the 6" lights.....more pics!

[bemerritt]

Yeah, there definitely some concern with the starter battery. Actually made me a bit pissed. Last people to touch my starter battery was ford, as they replaced both of them and my alternator about a year ago. Both terminals have self tapping screws screwed into them to have the clamps tighten on them.

However, if the van turns on and the engine isn't turning over, I think the problem is elsewhere. But definitely something I need to change regardless.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by bemerritt

However, if the van turns on and the engine isn't turning over, I think the problem is elsewhere. But definitely something I need to change regardless.

Does nothing when trying to start?.....or just cannot turn the engine over?

What is the battery voltage measured with a voltmeter?

[bemerritt]

voltage is fine, 12.6.

The engine sounds like its getting power when trying to start, but does not turn over.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by bemerritt

voltage is fine, 12.6.

The engine sounds like its getting power when trying to start, but does not turn over.

What is the voltage across the battery when the engine is trying to crank?

[bemerritt]

I believe it was around 11.9-12.1 as read on my scangauge

[MadScience]

So, starter solenoid clicks? Does the starter whirr trying to turn?

If both are a go, then try more battery power. Diesels are high compression, and hence a lot of work to crank over.

If not, then start checking the starter and the power to it.