piperca

I've been going nuts trying to figure out my LP problems. Yesterday I replaced the tank module, thought I'd fixed it, but still having problems.

Ok, here goes: I noticed, when I start the truck up first thing, the volt meter starts at around 10 and slowly brings itself up to 14. My fuel pressure is a little lower than normal at this time, 11-12. I run the truck and the volt meter goes slightly above 14 and the fuel pressure idles at between 13-14, which is normal. If I let her idle for five minutes or so, the fuel pressure drops to around 10 and the volt meter drops off too, around 12-13. Once I take her for a run, the fuel pressure and volt meter return to normal.

Does anyone think there's a direct correlation between the two? Sounds like I need batteries?

volly818

Whats the temp. outside when it happens? Its not the grid heaters coming on and off is it? If it is below 60*-65* the heaters work. And they shut off after you go 15-20 mph.

piperca

I wish it was the grid heaters, but it's not.

Maybe it's just another crappy Carter with wishful thinking by its owner ... guess I'm in denial!

mini14

normal get used to it u also have a fuel heater in the filter canister, reduced voltage will lower lp pressure.

Timmay2

Its more common than people admit to have lift pump/injection pump problems due to undervoltage / bad batteries.

Replace your batteries. You should fire up the truck and be at 14v near instantly.

piperca

The truck starts in less than a second ... one quick crank and she's running. Could this still be an issue, or should I be looking elsewhere?

I'm weighing the two options; $200 for new batteries or $200 for a Walbro and regulator? I could purchase the Walbro and be in the same boat ... what do you think?

99 cummins

Piper, what are we doin, playin follow the leader her.

piperca

Too funny! I guess so. I've got to get this mess fixed.

Timmay2

Giving all you said the alternator should be fine, especially if your batteries are sittin at 10volts.

Slow to come up from a low voltage is a sure sign of weak batteries... if theres a heavy draw on the electrical system it could cause it to rise slower than normal.. but youre already starting too low w/ 10v.

Do you have a voltmeter to test them directly instead of the dash gauge?

piperca

Yes, they are sitting at 12.44 and 12.49 and that's after sitting overnight.

I turned the key on and watched the gauge. The needle came up to the first line between 8 and 14, which I was estimating as 10, and sat there for about 15-20 seconds, then it slowly rose to mid way between that line and 14 ... probably around 12+ volts. I think I need to get them load tested before I throw money away on new batteries.

If I do need to do batteries, I was looking at the Optima red top 34's; sears have them for $129 ... cheapest I can find. I have always been an Insterstate battery customer, but, since doing some reading, it sounds like the Optimas are the way to go ... are they?

I SPEED

I ran dual redtops for about a year with no issues. I have since converted to a big single Odyssey.

mini14

if money is no object go ahead, u could get 2 other brands for the price of 1 optima. im goin on 7 years with the factory originals.

99 cummins

Optima batteries are the greatest thing on the market when you get good ones. The problem is they seem to have some quality control issues, there are alot of bad ones being returned for warranty. Even though the warranties are honored, having a dual battery system creates a problem for us when only one battery is bad because when we change batteries we need both changed out and they don't cover that.