Engine drags on cold start.

[davbell22602]

I noticed on my new truck that the engine drags a little bit on cold start when the engine rotates. Is that normal for a 350 vortec? The 1st owner replaced the starter @ 32,700 miles 08/2000. Its almost like the alternator isnt charging up the battery all the way but just enough to make it drag a little but will still start. The truck has new battery. Either the used car lot replaced or the 1st owner cause it looks like brand off the shelf. Its a diehard battery.

 

[Bigredmariner]

Check you battery voltage with a voltmeter. Should be at least 11.5 Volts, then start your truck and check the battery voltage for a while. You should see somewhere in the 14.5 volt range when the alternator is charging, it will dip when the regulator cuts out charging and this is normal to see.

If you don't have a voltmeter have the parts store load test your battery, most will come outside and do it for free in the parking lot.

 

[davbell22602]

ok. I'll run over to Autozone on monday. The drag isn't as noticeable when the engine is hot.

 

[Bernie]

Check your cables and clamps for corrosion also. Chances are, seeing that it's ten years old, the starter could be on its way out too. If you replace it, look for a high torque starter.

 

[davbell22602]

OK, the battery cables are tight on the battery. I was getting 13-13.5 volts when the engine was running. The gauge is shows 13.5 volts when moving and 13-13.5 volts when sitting still with the engine running. Its really dragged on a 2 minute stop. Yes, its noticeable on shorts stops. I'm gonna have Autozone check it also to be sure.

 

[Bigredmariner]

How much voltage on just the battery, engine stopped?

 

[davbell22602]

12.46,12.52 and 12.63 when engine is stopped.

 

[Draenor]

Voltage looks good.

Just because the battery looks new and voltage is good still doesn't mean its a good battery.

See if you can bring it in to autozone or whatnot and get them to load test it.

 

[ScottyBoy]

I had the same problem on an older car I had. I replaced the starter and it started a little better, but still cranked kinda slow. I had three mechanics look at it, one of them finally checked the timing. Turns out the timing was off a tiny bit so there was too much compression in the engine as the starter was cranking. After he adjusted the distributer a lil bit, it fired right up every time after that. So basically.....check the timing too.

 

[davbell22602]

I dont have access to scan tool for checking the timing. The has 99, 164 orginal miles.