Starter drawing about 465 amps, does that sound right?

[1972Blaze]

I want to make sure the starter drawing 465 amps sounds right before I buy a new battery. The one it came with when I got it has 405 CCA. If 465 is good, what CCA should I get in a new battery?

Thanks.

[hayhauler71]

most starters should only draw 150 amps max

[Bigdav160]

I'm not clear.

Are you asking what CCA battery you need or are you asking what's wrong with a starter that draws 465 amps?

If you measured 465 amps you need another starter or your motor is locked up.

If you are looking for a battery, the higher the CCA the better cranking performance (possible trade off in battery life)

Most maintenance free battery chemistry will put you around 600 CCA

Minimum CCA would be 1 CCA for every Cubic inch of engine displacement.

edit: normal compression, mid displacement, V8's will draw around 250 amps. NOT 150 amps

[1972Blaze]

I had the alternator tested at the local auto parts store. They said it was good, as well as the battery. The meter that indicated the alternator was good also indicated that the starter was drawing 465 amps. If that is accurate what could be possible issues other than the starter, if anything?

[Bigdav160]

It's on the truck? Anything that can make the motor harder to turn over can cause high amperage and slow cranking. I've seen engines removed because of an internal alternator fan blowing up.

But the starter itself is the most likely cause of high amperage starter test.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by 1972Blaze

The meter that indicated the alternator was good also indicated that the starter was drawing 465 amps.

I wonder what wire size that meter uses on it's leads? That much current would melt the insulation right off most battery cables.

[luvbowties]

Wow! 465 amps at 12.5 volts would be over 5800 watts--7.75 hp! That'd likely crank a caterpillar--assuming it stands up to and operates at those specs.
Sam

[cdowns]

i'd think you need to take to someone that can read the meter properly

[1972Blaze]

Originally Posted by cdowns

i'd think you need to take to someone that can read the meter properly

That is what I am thinking.
Posted via Mobile Device

[BrianG]

I am wondering if that is a true amperage meter, or perhaps some gauge that reads what the recomended battery capacity should be. Just a pure guess though, I haven't seen the machine, but agree with what others have said. If it is truely drawing that much amperage, it would really heat up in a hurry.

If the truck is cranking hard, check to make sure that a shim is not needed between the starter and the block.