I replaced my batteries 11 months ago with Red Tops. The last 5 months my truck seems to take a little longer to start. I am thinking my starter or starter contacts. I have heard of some type of upgrade for the starter contacts. Any info on this? Thanks...

 

I am of no help, because I have the same problem. I replaced both batteries because it turned over slow, the grid heaters REALLY pulled it down, I later discovered, I was running on ONE battery, bad connections. Hooked both up and starts better, but not like other CTD. My bosses truck, you just think about touching the key and VROOOOOM. Its on. Mine stilll cranks several times. I'm thinking about new starter contacts, the larger ones. If I get it done before you, I'll let you know.
Not to change subjects, but How do you like the 80 horse injectors and the 3K GSK? I looking into that. WHat to you think?

Hope we gt this figured out.

 

there is 2 fuel hoses by the fuel filter ,they are in a pain in da *** spot , mine had a hard time starting after a while ,,, like 10 months of hard starting the pin hole in them 2 lines blew off and i changed both lines , that truck never started better before in its life ,, hope this helps

 

Try a fuel pressure test , maybe lift pump , overflow valve , how fast is it turning over = batteries/connections , pressurize the fuel tank with about 3 lbs then look for fuel leaks from tank to lift pump .
Starter up grade ,
http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

Too low of idle will also cause slow starting.
Easy to tell if that's the problem, just give it a little throttle and see how it starts.

 

Starter contacts are a maintenance thing, and will slow down cranking speed. Clean all electrical contacts with sand paper when you install the starter.

Also see cranking speed, etc.

 

I think the contacts will most likely cause the starter to not even engage, but maybe change them anyway. But any loss of prime in the fuel system is what really keeps these things from starting. So a pressure test would be a good starting point.

 

The contacts are probably nearing the end of their life anyway, if the starter hasn't been touched in a while (normal use... couple years). They are cheap and easy to replace.

 

RoughStock my truck runs excellent. I recently plugged off my boost line and my truck can really turn up the power if I need it. With valet switch on I got 18.9 MPG last week. That is with in town and freeway driving.

Even with my valet switch off and hammering down on the pedal my 5 speed will get 16.8 daily with 35" tires and 1000 lbs of diesel in the back with a 585 lb Miller Welder and tool box.... IF I had a built auto trans in my truck it would be SUPER fast...!!!

As for the fuel lines. I replaced them last year at the same time I had my Injection Pump rebuilt. I also replaced the lift pump. So less than a year for fuel lines, Injection Pump and lift pump. The starting issue is slower than longer. I will check my cables and starter this weekend. Thanks for all the responses guys......

Dave

 

Update: I noticed tonight both negative cables need to be replaced. Both negative clamps are broken. Where is a good place to get factory style cables? Or better after market ones? Thanks....

 

I'm in the same boat about the starter and cables. Looks like I'll be making my own cables from 0 gauge wire. They don't have them at Autozone.

 

Starter Update: Now the truck almost never starts unless I give the starter the o'l smack with a mallet. I just ordered the upgraded stater contacts from Larry B's. I have 210,000 miles on my 94. Lets hope it is just the contacts...

 

Theres lots of good stuff available here:

http://www.custombatterycables.com/a.../dodge_ram.htm - http://www.custombatterycables.com/2-0_cables.htm

http://www.trickcableandswitch.com/mm5/merchant.mvc

http://www.electerm.com/battery.html

http://www.wranglernw.com/

http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/cat...kon=subsection

http://www.pullpal.com/terminals/terminals.html

Make your own - I used 2/0 welding cable, but that may be overkill:

 

Thanks for the links Dr. Evil. How did you attach the welding leads to the cable ends? Thanks..

 

Thats the hard part...I was able to borrow a T&B cable crimper from work - looks like this:

You could maybe rent one, buy one (hammer type: , try soldering them on with a propane torch , or have some cables custom made (see the first link). I recently saw someone else offereing custom cables for cheap, but I cant remeber where (I think it was here though).