1986 Dodge Van Starting Problems

[98Pontranport]

I bought this '86 Dodge Ram van B150 with the 318 in it, back in Feb' 06.
Its had some sort of starting problem since than. I replaced the battery the day I brought it home, than again in March and again 2 weeks ago. I finally swapped out the alternator for the one recommended from the auto store.
The battery in there is the Walmart mega battery which from I now understand is a piece of crud...it's still having hesitation when starting...sort of like a half dead battery slow start. I need to get this addressed or I'll just toss this van in the heap pile. My wife and I need confidence when we go out with our girls in this van that'll start for us when we want to return home.
Any help is great..Mike

[89ltd]

either something is drawing on the battery or it is the starter itself drawing to much current. If you have a multi meter with a 10 amp dc setting, disconnect the positive battery cable and connect one side of the multi meter to positive battery cable while it is disconnected and the other lead from the multi meter to the positive battery terminal. It should not be drawing more than about 1.5 amps for things like clock, radio presets ect. If it is not drawing to much power I would check all connections to the starter including the big positive one going down to it, if the they are clean and tight I would replace the starter , or at least remove it and have it checked for free at a parts store, good luck.

[98Pontranport]

Thanks for the info on the starter possibly pulling the power....I think I'm just going to replace it this weekend anyway, something seems off. I think I might have the part store check it out after I remove it too.

[stamar]

very likely it is actually the cable connecting from the battery to the starter

went bad in my 89
quick diagnosis is to get a pair of jumper cables. when its not qutie starting, put the black cable on the chassis the red clip on the starter post closest to driver side. will start up fine.

diagnosis replacement. quick fix put plastic on the other starter post, and leave the jumper cable on the starter.