nothing, then sloooow cranking

monkeymissile · Post by **monkeymissile** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:08 am

when I first press the starter button, I get nothing for several seconds (at least 5 or more) then it starts to crank very slowly, gradually picking up speed until it fires. Do I just need new batteries or could the problem be the starter? Thanks.

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:45 am

Sounds like the starter is drawing too much current. Might be a good time to clean the commutator and install new brushes.

monkeymissile · Post by **monkeymissile** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:58 am

good idea, I'll check that out. Thanks!

TRACTORg25 · Post by **TRACTORg25** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:37 am

this does sound like a dragging starter. Also check battery cables for looseness.

monkeymissile · Post by **monkeymissile** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:54 am

will do, thanks!

powool · Post by **powool** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:20 am

I'd free, clean then tighten each connection in the battery to starter path while you're there.

Also, consider putting a voltmeter on the batteries while cranking - see the manual for what is normal (I don't recall exactly, but something like a 1.5 V drop per battery while starting is normal - 3V total for two in a 24V system).

I'm somewhat suspicious of the batteries or the battery cable connections myself.

peter e mark · Post by **peter e mark** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:53 am

Methinks powool is on the right track with the voltage drop test. Assuming you have batteries that are at top voltage value before you crank, then when your stater contacts touch, your batteries voltage should n NOT drop dramatically, as powool stated. If the volts do drop, you got bad battteries brother !