Lost all power and lights are super dim

[NoForAnAnswer]

I just found this forum last night and I must say I like what I see.

I have a problem with my 1971 K10 4WD 350 TH350. I can't get it to start. I turn the key and nothing happens, I can turn on the dome light and it's very dim when I start to crank it over the light goes out. I just got done replacing the starter and checked the battery. Battery's got power, alternators got power, solenoids got power, ignitions got power. Battery cables are in decent shape and were working prior to the truck not starting. The ground is good. I took the bolt off the block and cleaned and wire brushed it so it would make a good connection.

I tried jumping it and all that did was allow me to turn the headlights on and I got it to crank over but really slow like you've got a dead battery.

Any Ideas?

My dad bought this truck in 1983 and it's been mine for about 11 years and I've been working on it ever since I was little so I know quite a bit about how it works but somethings I just can't figure out.

I thank you all for the help.

[ItsRandy]

Load test the battery. Batteries will do something called (I hope I spell this right) sulphating. I had one that, when you were driving down the road, caused the lights to dim and the engine to misfire (HEI ignition and not enough voltage from the battery). Changed the battery and all was good in the world.

[NoForAnAnswer]

How would I go about load testing the battery? I disconnected it and brought it to autozone to check it out. It was putting out 12.6 volts and had 80% charge left in the battery.

Also, I have plugs and points if that makes a difference.

[70cst]

I wish I had another answer but there will be more ideas forth coming.

Oh yes ...NoForAnAnswer and from Ohio

[ItsRandy]

Originally Posted by NoForAnAnswer

How would I go about load testing the battery? I disconnected it and brought it to autozone to check it out. It was putting out 12.6 volts and had 80% charge left in the battery.

Also, I have plugs and points if that makes a difference.

Autozone should be able to load test your battery.

[Shyguy]

If you have an O'Rielly's near you they will charge your battery and load test it for free. Sulfating can cause the problems you are having.

I had a similar problem but had to replace both battery cables to fix it because there was corrosion inside the insulation on the cables. I cleaned all connections while I was at it.

[bmfm64]

A little more info please.... Did it actually start and run before you worked on it? If so, check all your connections at the starter that you just had apart and if that's ok then as stated before make sure your wires aren't corroded and of sufficient size. Hope this helps.

[NoForAnAnswer]

Originally Posted by bmfm64

A little more info please.... Did it actually start and run before you worked on it? If so, check all your connections at the starter that you just had apart and if that's ok then as stated before make sure your wires aren't corroded and of sufficient size. Hope this helps.

Yes it ran and drove. I drove it to Pizza Hut and picked up my pizza then I went to start the truck up to leave and nothing.

So I towed it home checked and repaired a loose connection to the starter wire and still nothing.

I just got back from autozone and had them check my old starter and it was on it's last leg. It turned but WAY to slow.

Right now my truck is the same as it was when this all started just with a new starter.

[fastwillie 696969]

take it back and put a load on the battery see if the voltage drops if it goes below 9.6 volts then you need a new battery

[yob2kanobe]

Im going to say a bad ground. Take a set of jumper cables and hook one end to the battery and the other to the engine to check

[cdowns]

remove 2battery cables clean all 4ends and where they mount then reinstall

[NoForAnAnswer]

Ok guys. I got the battery checked out, It's good. Got the new starter in, and still got nothing.

I had to wait until I got some time off (and some money) to figure out what was left.

Battery cables.

I bought a new set tonight and put them on.

My truck runs again!!!!! The hippies better watch out now!

Thank you folks for helping me with my problem and when I get my truck in better shape I'll totally put pics up.

Thanks again.

[MagmaJct]

I suspected a bad ground. I'm glad all's good.

[Frkypunk70]

Originally Posted by ItsRandy

Load test the battery. Batteries will do something called (I hope I spell this right) sulphating. I had one that, when you were driving down the road, caused the lights to dim and the engine to misfire (HEI ignition and not enough voltage from the battery). Changed the battery and all was good in the world.

X2 first thing I thought to say.
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[72GMCDD]

You might change your voltage regulator. I had the same problem with mine I changed the regulator and haven't had a problem since. Hope this helps.
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