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Starter or Batteries

N

N00bie

Member
I know this is not a "yesterday tractor" but you folks have been so incredibly helpful in the past, I just have to ask you one more time.
1994 CAT D4H LGP
Started this summer. When you try to start it, it would at first sound like a near dead battery, i.e., that real slow crank. After a few seconds, it would crank normally and start. As the weather got colder, this got progressively worse with longer and longer periods of slow turn over before it would crank normally and start. Seemed like things (battery, cable, starter, ert) needed to warm up before normal crank.
Today, temperature about 40F, would only slow crank no matter how long I kept it cranking. The battery on the left side was bubbling and you could smell the acid (batteries are sealed and maintenance-free).

The question is,
Do I replace the 2 batteries or have the starter rebuilt?

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanx as always
 
If the battery is bubbling that indicates it has a bad cell,one bad cell is enough to cause the symptoms you are getting,I would replace both batteries they are more than likely the same age,if you did not want to do that you could test the battery with a professional tester or have someone test it for you and if it tests good make do with replacing the one,I would leave the starter till the batteries are sorted,making sure that the batteries are secure,bolted down properly,all connections clean and tight and see how it starts.
AJ
 
That is kind of where I was heading. On a 24 volt system, if one battery is bubbling and does not put out a full 12v, it is not going to start well. My only puzzling thing was the "full" power after cranking for a while.
 
The D4H is 24Volt,the bubbling is caused by a chemical reaction inside the cell by the electron discharging too fast,that happens when the plate is gone weak,similar bubbles can be seen when a battery is charging at a high rate,if one cell bubbles more than the others it is more than likely that cell is bad,while that is happening hydrogen gas is been made and can explode if exposed to a spark,that is why when connecting batteries everything should be switched off,connect the positive cable first and the ground cable last,why it is because if you touch the wrench to ground it does no harm but if the positive is connected last and the wrench touches ground whooose,face sprayed with acid,sight gone etc,with 24 volt systems the bridge cable between the two batteries should be fitted first and tightened up,then the positive,it is good practice to cover the battery/s with a wet cloth.
AJ
 
24v on D4H. Heading to town to get new batteries today. Pouring rain over next few days so wont be putting batteries in for a few days.
 
it does sound like a battery problem especially if you have cleaned all cables. if you want to save on batteries put a block heater in it. those old diesel engine don't like colder weather at all. most glow plugs go bad and would definitely help starting it but if the block is good and warm it really helps them. you say it turns over slowly t first. that may not be a bad thing. that might tell you it is pretty tight engine that is good for a diesel. good luck on getting her fixed.
 
It finally stopped raining and I was able to swap batteries.
Had both batteries tested after charging all night. One tested at 13 volts the other at 10 volts.
Replaced both batteries and it started great.
Thanx :)
 
Glad you solved the problem,the battery that tested 13V is good and will be a handy spare to have as a slave battery,a slow charge now and again will keep it topped up.
Good luck
AJ
 
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