battery question hr gasser cranking amps?

[srzak]

I have a 2003 Holiday Rambler vacationer when i go to start the engine after it has either been in storage or parked at my home starts right up but if go get gas or turn engine off and then on it is hard starting like the battery does not have enough power to crank it over, it does this if i have driven a few hundred miles, the battery in it has a cranking rating of about 500-600, do i need to replace the battery ? what should i get? thanks steve

[Johnnyd111]

do you keep a trickle charger on it while in storage? How long do you keep it in storage? Do you disconnect the battery while in storage? Do you just park it and leave it?

My only thought is the alternator

[ga traveler]

The engine is harder to start when it is hot. You probably have a weak battery. When the engine is cold it is easy to turn over, but when it is hot it takes much more power to turn it over.IIt could be the starter is weak, but i would start with the battery.

[daveshan]

Had a '68 'vette that did the same thing turns out the heat soak from the headers/engine was causing an old starter to fail.

That being said I'd for sure start at the battery, much more likely and way cheaper/easier.

[pkmesser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveshan Had a '68 'vette that did the same thing turns out the heat soak from the headers/engine was causing an old starter to fail. That being said I'd for sure start at the battery, much more likely and way cheaper/easier.

Had a SS396 that did the same thing. BTW, there was a starter for the 8.1 on ebay the other day for a good price. Need to check compatibility, but it was the brand we have on MH's.

[srzak]

it say putting 14.2 volts in it while running, when in storage i cut off all battery power, not sure how old battery is , it seem to not have enough power it get it going, i wait a couple of minute and it starts, but not a strong start like when cold, thanks for info, what is a good battery to replace this one with what cold crank pwer shold i get, thanks steve think i will check with the battery boost to see if that make a difference

[srzak]

who has the best deals on a battery?

[Johnnyd111]

Well you can go to bjs, sams or walmart. But I never skimp on batteries (mainly because all I do is boondock). I'd find your local interstate battery dealer... With my experience, interstate is the way to go.

[ga traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by srzak it say putting 14.2 volts in it while running, when in storage i cut off all battery power, not sure how old battery is , it seem to not have enough power it get it going, i wait a couple of minute and it starts, but not a strong start like when cold, thanks for info, what is a good battery to replace this one with what cold crank pwer shold i get, thanks steve think i will check with the battery boost to see if that make a difference

CCA cold cranking amps is the measurement of the power of the battery. Get at least a 750 cca.

[wa8yxm]

That has happened to me several times.. Turns out the problem in nearly every case was a faulty starter. The unit was drawing too much current when hot.

I am not saying there can't be other causes.. (Can think of several possible ones) but .. Well, I has happened to me with at least one ford and at least 2 GM cars, the last one (Which I kept for many years) a few times.

[srzak]

I have another question on the group number on a battery for a 2003 holiday rambler vacationer w-22, was looking at a optima red top wit 720 cca at o'reillys auto parts, and was asked what group number, i will say i did not know, is there a stock answer they have 78/35 or 78 does it matter as long as it fits in the tray or does a 8.1 vortec needs a group?

[ahicks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by srzak I have another question on the group number on a battery for a 2003 holiday rambler vacationer w-22, was looking at a optima red top wit 720 cca at o'reillys auto parts, and was asked what group number, i will say i did not know, is there a stock answer they have 78/35 or 78 does it matter as long as it fits in the tray or does a 8.1 vortec needs a group?

You could take the original in to get the original group number (and not have to worry about a core charge), or you could just buy one that fit the tray/tie down.

Been a while since I had to deal with a group number, but back in the day we used 24's for starting/main and 27's for aux. batteries. FWIW

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by srzak I have another question on the group number on a battery for a 2003 holiday rambler vacationer w-22, was looking at a optima red top wit 720 cca at o'reillys auto parts, and was asked what group number, i will say i did not know, is there a stock answer they have 78/35 or 78 does it matter as long as it fits in the tray or does a 8.1 vortec needs a group?

The OE battery was a Group 78.

[srzak]

Thanks not sure when this battery was put in. Not by me who ever owned put in a cheap battery I think just to sell. Checked all cells one cell is bad and the other 5 are so so battery had 12.31 volts but does not have the power when needed. Also. Bought a heat shield for starter to see if starting while hot changes
You people on this board have helped me in many ways on many subjects. Thanks steve