1993 Gmc Sierra Starting Problem

[neuralgroove]

I've had my truck for about a year and a half, 93 Sierra K1500.

 

Last summer, it wouldn't start without a boost, so I replaced the battery and its been fine until about the last month, now if I leave the truck for a few days then it won't start without a boost, and even then, it sometimes takes a few tries. The battery is reading 12 V when the trucks not running, and it will start again a few hours later after its been running for a few minutes, but then nothing. Lights come on, it tries to turn over, and then just quits, sometimes with that ticking sound.

 

Could something electrical have toasted the battery already? What is the sign of a bad alternator? I'm just learning about trucks (this is my first one) so any ideas woud be welcome, its a farm truck, and I'm not really interested in having a shop work on it if I can fix it myself.

[Mike G]

First off, welcome aboard!

 

Secondly, stop by one of your local parts houses and tell them you need a battery/alternator tested. I believe they can do both even with them on the vehicle (I usually have mine torn apart). If they test out OK, then look to your starter. If they say you need to replace something, I always run over to their competition and inquire there, just for a second opinion (since they are in the business of selling parts).

My $.02's --Mike

[Draenor]

What is the voltage with the engine running?

 

As Mike mentioned, you can get them load tested at most parts stores.

[pennzoil29]

Welcome aboard. IMO, it's your starter crapping out on you, and putting the drain on your battery.

[VR021302]