So my truck recently in started cranking a little longer before starting in the mornings after it sat all nigh only. My battery was 4 years old so i just decided to replace it. Got a Optima red top. It still always starts and it never takes more than once to start it but its just a little longer of a crank when its sat over night. It cant be the alternator right because the battery is getting recharged obviously or it wouldn't start ever. So i was thinking starter, but i don't know why it would start perfect once its warm and have trouble when its cold.

Ideas?

 

Check to ensure that the alternator is putting out the correct amount of current to keep the battery fully charged. Once the truck is started, connect a voltmeter to the battery. I believe you should get about 14.5 volts at the battery with the truck running.

When you have a moment, please post the specifics about your truck in your profile (year, model, 4x4 or not, etc.), so that we know what you are working with.

 

Probably a fuel issue, not electrical. More than likely the fuel pressure is bleeding off as it sits overnight. Try turning the key to the run position, wait for the fuel pump to quit running (2-3 seconds), then start it. See if that helps.

 

ok i will test it. so basically though it could be bad, just not bad enough to not charge the battery at all. It is possibly just charging it at a lesser degree? possibly of course. (also added info, thanks for the reminder)

 

It still does it if i wait until the pump stops and all the dash lights go out. To test next morning i will turn key let the fuel pump run than turn off and let it run again to build up pressure. if it works i know i need to start looking into that. It very well maybe that because i recently did the Hughes plenum and disconnected the line from the fuel rail. Maybe its old and dried out and leaking there.

 

Get a fuel pressure gauge I don't remember off hand what it should be but check it turn key on dont start turn the key off check pressure do this a couple more times if the pressure increases its a sign of a worn fuel pump also check it running at idle it should hold pretty steady. My guess is your pump is on its way out I would replace it before it goes out in the middle of nowhere.

 

Should be 49 PSI just turning the key to "on". If not, cycle the key again, and see if pressure comes up to where it is supposed to be. If that checks out ok, probably just a failed check valve in the regulator. You can replace just the regulator/filter assembly... but, it's 100 bucks plus..... and a pain in the keester to change. For the small annoyance it represents, just not worth it. (to me....)

 

I thought the filter and everything was all apart of the fuel pump and had to be replaced as a unit. Check valve in the regulator all located inside the tank? Im a Harley Mechanic trucks are not my nature.

 

It's a little canister feller on top of the sending unit. It IS possible to service it separately, just a pain. Most folks simply replace the whole thing. It's about 200 bucks and some change, but, you make SURE all the problems are dealt with. For the annoyance factor, to me... it really isn't worth the repair cost/effort. Unless your fuel pressure is low... then it just needs to go.

 

So im not sure if this is an adequate test but this morning i primed it twice before stating and it made no difference. I know testing the fuel pressure is easy i just don't have the appropriate gauge and will need to go to a shop.