1989 gmc blue bird

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Figured I should start a thread here
Currently stuck where I parked it last night… hahaha

Batteries died. Charged them separately and it started right up and died and then batteries immediately died. Parts store hook up said cranking amps were good but needed a charge. So they are charging again now. Cable on alternator was a little loose so I’m sure that’s part of the problem.

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So here is the battery set up…. I am getting 15 volts when each battery is fully charged and 15v at the starter but when I try to start it I get one crank and batteries are back to 60% I brought both to the parts store and they tested good just needed charging. So I’m wondering if starter went? I guess crazier things could happen but had zero issues starting it yesterday

[craigify]

I had a starter go out on a 1998 Ford Ranger. It locked up. I would try to crank it for maybe 5-10 seconds and that discharged the entire battery. I thought AutoZone sold me a bad battery. Turns it it was the starter the whole time.

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Yeah thanks for all the help guys, now that I know it’s 12 v I will try and jump from my Chevy pickup. If that doesn’t work my buddy has a battery analyzer and I can go from there. For could be a regulator between batteries and starter. Or the starter who knows. But we’re headed in the right direction now hehe

[cadillackid]

when you do get it started, put a meter on the battery terminals with it running and measure voltage.. a known good meter!!.. its wierd to drive for several hours after starting normally only to have dead batteries when you arrive..



if you had 15+ volts when the engine is running then the alternator is over charging and will destroy your batteries in short order..



if you have under 13 volts (idling and no heaters or lights on) then the alternator isnt charging enough...



if you have a meter that is lying to you by saying it has 15 volts when it doesnt then throw it away and get a new one.. you can test your meter by measuring the voltage on your chevy pickup battery when its sitting still TURNED OFF. and before you use it to jump the bus.. .. it will likely provide you someplace between 12.5 and 13 volts depending on the last time it was run (higher voltage if you just shut it off).. its a good way to test your meter..

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That’s what me and my buddy are worried that it got over charged driving 6hours… I’ll keep you updated and I reallly appreciate the help.

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It is a good meter but I will double check on my truck just to be safe. He also has a battery analyzer that we will be using tomorrow

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Here’s a few pictures for anyone interested. I think the issue with not starting is a ground issue