amperage draw test on starter?

Question

Can the amperage draw on a typical starter on a 4.3 liter v6 be checked with a meter at the batter when somone cranks if over, or does it have to be removed and taken to be tested. My starter cranks very slowly with a fully charged battery. terminals are clean. cranks slowly but always starts. Wont make it thru winter like this I know. If starter amperage draw can be tested, what should it read and what should I set the min/max amp test for on the digital meter? thanks

Answer 1

No, but you can take it to a shop that has a Vat 40 or 60 and they can do a draw test. the reason is, is because you have to measure the amps being drawn through the positive battery cable. although you can do a voltage drop test at the battery with a meter and test where the voltage drops to when you crank it. another test is to do a voltage drop test at the battery then at the positive cable at the starter. you shouldnt see a drop of more than .1 or .2 volts. if you do the voltage drop test at the battery while cranking it shouldnt drop below 10.5volts, thats a sign of a weak battery or starter. also when started you should have no less than 14.5 volts at the battery.

Answer 2

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amperage draw test on starter?
Can the amperage draw on a typical starter on a 4.3 liter v6 be checked with a meter at the batter when somone cranks if over, or does it have to be removed and taken to be tested. My starter cranks very slowly with a fully charged battery. terminals are clean. cranks slowly but always starts. Wont...

Answer 3

the best way to do any tests on a cars charging and starting system is always done in the car with every thing hooked up

i know many times that a bench test is ok but on the car its bad

it should read between 100 to 200 amps depending on the starter also watch the battery voltage if it drops to low that could be the colprate even if it tests ok it may be to small

test the voltage at the starter when cranking if there is a volt drop of more thain a volt swap the cable

most compatent mechanics have a amp testor that clips around either the positive or negative cable it doesnt matter wich one and will test battery and starter at the sametime wich is the best way to test them
you tell me how all this can be done it you take it apart and bring in pieces

Answer 4

Actually its not common but i had a starter that started to wear out, the brushes were nasty and worn down, occasionally it wouldnt turn over but the added amps of another battery allowed it to crank, its weird but changed the starter and problem gone, just check the battery, should be around 12 not running and should load test to what it rates in warm weather (assuming you have the right battery in the car) the alternator will cause a voltage jump to around 13.5-14 when cranked. also, definately check battery/alternator/starter/and ground cables for good connection and no corrosion.

Answer 5

A common VOM won't have a high enough rating , You need an in line amp tester for DC and for cranking, I would initially set it at 20. BUT, it is now cold in many areas and cold oil is harder to turn in (where are you?) If you are in a cold area , they sale warmers that clip to the bottom of the oil drain plug and into an AC outlet. If you are in a warm area, I suspect battery issues.

Answer 6

It is possible you have a dead cell in your battery.
The voltage will still be 12 volts but the cranking amps will be noticeably less.

Answer 7

why bother with all that, pull it and have it bench tested.