I have a 54 3100 with original 235. The only modifications to the original set up is a 12v conversion with alternator. I had original posted about an issue starting after the truck had sit for several days. I resolved that issue. Sort of.
Original Post When I try to start the truck I have to crank it for a while to get the gas back into the system. After about only 5-10 seconds of cranking the engine the battery starts draining very quickly and within 10-15 seconds it has drained to a point it will not turn the engine over. I have tested and confirmed I don't have anything draining the battery while it is sitting. When I first start cranking the engine it spins it at high RPMs. Does the old 6v starter put that much strain on a 12v battery? Even though the battery appears to be holding a charge do I have a bad battery. It is only about 5-6 months old. Once I finally get the truck started, the alternator brings the battery right back up to full charge. I can just tap the starter and the truck fires right up. As long as the truck is started daily it fires right up with no battery issue. The part that could be deceiving is as long as the truck is started and I keep gas in the system it only takes 2-3 seconds of cranking to start the engine.
Also, the way I normally get it started when it has been sitting for a while is to make sure the battery is fully charged plus I have my battery charger connected and flip on the jump start feature (50 amps) to provide some additional support in cranking the engine. If it takes too long for the engine to turn over my battery charger will start to smoke from drawing some much current and I have to stop right away to let it cool off before I try again.
