orion :: SS Posted October 4, 2006 Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 Hey guys, looking for input. For the last few weeks, I've had a very slight indication of a slow start...the first turn of the starter was slow, then it took off and started fine. I added e-fans last week (custom setup), and it has definitely exagerated the problem. I wired them so they are on low speed with the ignition (it's hot in FL...so a constant low speed is OK for street driving)...and they flip onto high with the A/C compressor. Since then, it's almost not started a couple times...but has made it, just kinda slow. Also, the clock on the radio keeps resetting as of today. I hooked up the battery charger...it gave me ~80%, and took ~10 minutes at a 2 amp trickle charge to get it to 100%. So the battery seems good, yeah??? BUT - It's a 600CCA battery...seems kinda small for a truck, especially a 6.0 with reasonably high compression. My question: Do I need a new alternator, maybe??? Are the '05-06 alternators better (higher output b/c they have stock e-fans)??? Thanks for any input. - Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orion :: SS Posted October 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 And do we use the optional "KG3" 145 amp alternator? ...i.e. what's stock on an '03 SSS??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcwarren Posted October 4, 2006 Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 Since the clock resets, you are dealing with low system voltage during cranking. The source of the problem could be the battery, high resistance in the cranking circuit or excessive starter draw. I would start with having the battery tested professionally, you may find that the battery fails a load test or better yet have it tested at a GM dealer with the Midtronics battery tester. Have them test the charging system output also to answer your alternator question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hot rod truck Posted October 4, 2006 Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 IIRC, stock alternator '03-'04 was 105 amp. 145 amp alternator for a police 9c1 Tahoe, I think, is a direct replacement for the 105 amp stocker. The battery seems to be a little undersized for our trucks at only 600 CCA. Since the battery is between 3-4 years old, it might be time to replace it My experience has been where I ended replacing the less powerful battery with a more powerful battery, the more CCAs the better and they always lasted longer too. I would look for a battery in the 750 CCA minimum range as a replacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterp Posted October 4, 2006 Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 IIRC, stock alternator '03-'04 was 105 amp.145 amp alternator for a police 9c1 Tahoe, I think, is a direct replacement for the 105 amp stocker. The battery seems to be a little undersized for our trucks at only 600 CCA. Since the battery is between 3-4 years old, it might be time to replace it My experience has been where I ended replacing the less powerful battery with a more powerful battery, the more CCAs the better and they always lasted longer too. I would look for a battery in the 750 CCA minimum range as a replacement. If you've still got the original Delco battery it's time to change it out - get the best battery you can afford, minimum Optima red or yellow group-35. The only way a higher output alternator would help is if it is already completely taxed (every single electrical appliance turned on at the same time). With just the A/C, engine, radio, and e-fans that is will under a 100-amp load. But OTOH I am under the impression that the e-fan equipped trucks came with the 145-amp alternator as standard equipment but you'd have to check me on that. Mr. P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aspentaylor Posted October 4, 2006 Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 Ouch! If its anything like my problem, then its the A/C. I don't know the specifics. Remember-I had the 9 batteries. Yee haw! haha Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orion :: SS Posted October 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 Great feedback here, thanks! ... Since the clock resets, you are dealing with low system voltage during cranking. The source of the problem could be the battery, high resistance in the cranking circuit or excessive starter draw. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'll bet it's the e-fans...since the problem wasn't really a porblem, until they were added. And as I said above...they are wired to be on with the ignition, so as I crank...I've got the draw of 2 fairly large e-fans, plus the starter. SInce the alternator seems to be putting out ~14v and up...I htink that's OK. And per Mr. P's input...the stocker at 105 amp is OK (only thing I have that's not on his list is an small sub amp...not much draw). I'll go with a battery first - I was out with "tawss04" this weekend on our WaveRunner's...and his professional opinion was that the stock batteries just sucked(!). Optima, here I come! If ANY issue persists, I'll change to the larger 145 amp alt. Thanks guys. - Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterp Posted October 4, 2006 Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 ... the stock batteries just sucked(!). ... Harder than a Kansas tornado. or a black hole. or a porn star on exstacy. or a Hoover attached to a jet engine. or a starved Tijuana prostitute on dollar night. or a Mexican goat. or a White House intern. or a Steven Segall flick.... Mr. P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orion :: SS Posted October 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2006 Hehe...you're right, 100%. ... Swapped the stock battery for a Optima RedTop...and the issue is GONE! Starts faster than ever, even with the A/C on (means both fans are on HIGH speed) and stereo on. 720CCA versus 600CCA...$148, 3-year warranty (free replacment) with 84 month prorated warranty on top of that. Bolted right in. I'm happy...and that makes the e-fan total $160 now...since I only had $12 worth of wire and connectors into it before that!!! (fans were leftovers from 2 different 240SX's). As always, thanks for the input. I'll watch the charging, and if it's an issue...swap to the 145amp alt. as needed. - Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hot rod truck Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 That's great news Hopefully that's all you'll need Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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