Bob,
I don't know the correct cranking speed for a stock 235. I have had engines that barely turned over, but they would always catch and start.
If the engine is freshly rebuilt, it could be 'tight'..is yours a new rebuild?
A functioning starter shouldn't draw more than 250 amps at the most during a start with a good battery and mechanically sound engine. If you can find a current draw meter, it will help you pinpoint a bad starter.
The very first suspect would be the battery and cables. Many folks say they borrowed a good battery from a friend so it can't be the problem. This usually isn't the case! It must be fully charged and have clean posts and cables.
If the battery is proven to be good and it still turns over slowly, the starter would be the next item. The pregnant question is, does it start every time?
The state of charge of the battery is best checked with a hydrometer. A voltmeter will work too. Remember that all the cable connection points at the starter, frame and battery must be clean, shiny and tight.
Try the battery route first, then look at the starter. Many times you can disassemble the starter, install brushes, clean up the commutator and add a little oil to the bushings and it will make a world of difference.
If you have a voltmeter you can take a reading between the positive post and negative post of the battery while someone tries to start the engine. On a 12 volt system with a charged battery, the reading shouldn't go below 10 volts...if it does it indicates the starter is drawing too much current.
Stuart
Last edited by atomarc; 08/27/2008 4:52 PM.
