My 59 Apache starts very nicely every time EXCEPT after the engine is up to running temp. It sounds like the battery died, and just growls away. It does start after a couple of grinds, but sounds like it is ready to pack it in.

Converted to alternator about 6 months ago. Checked the battery, it holds about 80% of the charge. Rechecked the alt, no problems.

I am considering a new, more powerful coil, but I'm not sure that will do it.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Sounds like maybe the starter could be the problem

I agree with Bear, pull the starter and have a shop run a check on it. If the bushings are worn the starter will tend to bind under load and with the additional strain of a hot engine could cause the starter to sound like it wants to go away. Strange how this 12v problem sounds like some of the 6v starting problems that we hear about.

First of all, thanks for your replies. I appreciate your thoughts.

Well, this ought to preserve my place in the "you should have looked there first" Hall of Fame.

Pulled the battery for test, all good. Pulled the starter for test, all good. Pulled the alt for test, all good.

Now, for laughs let's take a look at the battery cables. DUH! The positive cable had a little, just enough, corrosion on the face (It's a front mount battery) to only let about 40% of the charge to hit the starter. Replaced the connector and the truck starts within 1 second of hitting the starter every time.

Keep it simple is always a good way to go.

Next time....

Jim:

A good 'lesson' for all of us.

Regardless of whether you 'wasted some time' checking battery, starter, alternator, etc. - it's still nice your problem was 'something simple' - just the positive cable. It is amazing how being 'off' just a bit can really mess things up. Whether it's corrosion, timing, air pressure, etc. etc. Seems like things don't have to be too much out of whack to cause pretty big problems.

And, there sure is a lot to the old "Kiss Theory," huh?? It seems like most all of us often start checking on the more serious stuff, rather than just starting with the "simple" stuff and working up from there.

Ride easy and enjoy......

Bill.

Bill:

What, I'm not alone?!

Oddly enough, this is a lesson I constantly try to teach my kids (14-20). Maybe I should listen to myself sometimes!

Thanks for your kind words.

Jim:

I just saw this (a few days late) and I don't mean to sound discouraging.... BUT, my boys are 34 and 37 and my daughter is 27. For some reason I'm still trying to give the boys some 'teaching' or a 'lesson' - seemingly pretty often. Sometimes my (our) daughter seems smarter than both the boys put together. Actually, I don't know why I even bothered to say "sometimes" !!!

They're "good" boys and all but I'm thinking "it" ever ends!! Good luck!!

I love 'em to death...... BUT

Bill.

It don't change, try two of them one 50+ anfd the other 48.

Thanks guys!

Something to look forward to...

... The old saying ...fruit don't fall far from the tree,, and Like father like son! Ha!

FYI
I understand, we have four them (boy, girl, boy girl),from 45 down to 34. They never change, Thank God!

if they (adult children, wife, grandkids) would put my tools back where they got them I would be a lot happier....

But you still love them...