15.3 V is really high, does it go higher when you rev up the engine? You may need a new voltage regulator or atleast need to verify its sensing wire is hooked up.
8 V is really low, if it gets any colder you probably won't be able to start the van because the voltage will be too low for the ignition system to function.
I would probably spend some time cleaning the battery and starter connections and redo the test.

 

Ah, that was the old battery that dropped to 8 (Autocraft silver), but very rarely. Have only seen the new one drop to 10.

 

As of today, it idles at 15.1... and that' s my mistake, the old battery on occasion would drop to 8v... new one cranks at 10v. As advised, I do keep a backup voltage regulator handy. Now, with plenty of throttle pumps it was a bit hard starting this morning... it kept 10v, but it took forever to start. I don't know the history of the starter... possible culprit? Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, battery, etc. are all new.

 

Think I would have that feller load tested. It shouldn't drop that low when cranking.

 

Thanks... will do. With a new battery, what's the lowest you feel it should be dropping when cranking?

 

I've seen 10 several times with no problem. It's when you get to 9 volts the problems start. I've been known to bolt a 6 volts starter up where they would fit. (Late 50's Mopars) 6 volt starters will handle 12 volts just fine if you don't keep cranking them very long. They will flat spin the engine over and they can handle heavier amperage loading.

 

Thanks. Well, after a few cold/damp morning starts the new battery is not dropping below 10.

 

Spoke too soon on this one... a few cold mornings I'm seeing below 10, 9.4 this morning (gets to 15 in a few seconds after starting). Now, I'm seeing a few scenarios... tell me what you think. Although it's a new battery w/700 CCA, it's just not up to par and needs to be replaced. It will crank and turnover, but it takes a while... possibly a starter issue (don't know its history and never replaced it, etc.)? Must the vehicle be actually driven to keep the battery 'topped off', or is it good enough to start it daily and let it run for about 10 minutes?

 

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1. It's commonly referred to as the pre-heat flex pipe, or heat riser flex pipe.
2. It looks like the valve cover gasket is the source of the leak. I would remove the valve cover, clean it all up and replace the gasket.