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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 07:40 PM
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Default New battery and starter

Hello,
I installed a new Optimum Red Top battery last year and also replaced the starter as it was occassionally sticking and grinding into the flywheel.
No sticking and grinding since that repair, however the engine hesitates a lot before starting....almost seems like it won't start but finally does after a couple of strained cranks.
Any ideas?
Thanks
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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 09:44 PM
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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 10:34 PM
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Just a thought, considering the age/mileage, have you changed your plugs and wires?
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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 07:35 AM
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[QUOTE=Vader_C5;1606793407]Just a thought, considering the age/mileage, have you changed your plugs and wires?
Thanks for the response. The car only has 54k miles on it and yes, I just changed the plugs and wires about 200 miles ago.
I think my next step is to take the car to have the battery charging system evaluated. The position of the starter in these
cars right next to the exhaust also leads to overheating. My new starter may already be weak - may have to purchase a
new one.
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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 10:03 AM
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All you have to do is measure the battery voltage with a DVM, a properly working charging system should maintain the battery at 12.6 volts. Starters should last a long time unless your car has headers, heat damage will not occur with stock exhaust system.
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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by mmartinez
All you have to do is measure the battery voltage with a DVM, a properly working charging system should maintain the battery at 12.6 volts. Starters should last a long time unless your car has headers, heat damage will not occur with stock exhaust system.
Thanks for the response. The car has the original OEM exhaust system except for the titanium Z06 exhaust tips. So I guess the heat soak is not the culprit. I will have the battery and charging system checked.
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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 11:41 AM
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IMHO - the appropriate test to run is to check the voltage at the battery during cranking. So - put a meter on the battery and have someone else crank the car over. You should not see the voltage drop much below 11 volts. If it does - you probably have a weal battery. Optima Red Tops ain't what they used to be. I used to be a big fan of them - but I will not buy anther one....
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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 09:20 PM
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I’ve also had a couple red tops recently that didn’t last as long as they should have. Worth checking
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Old Jul 3, 2023 | 08:16 AM
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Default Optima Red Top

As an FYI, I replaced a 14 year old Optima Red Top last year with a new one....still holding a decent 13.1, but I was getting nervous.
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Old Jul 3, 2023 | 06:18 PM
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[QUOTE=gsmcoins09;1606793946]
Originally Posted by Vader_C5
Just a thought, considering the age/mileage, have you changed your plugs and wires?
Thanks for the response. The car only has 54k miles on it and yes, I just changed the plugs and wires about 200 miles ago.
I think my next step is to take the car to have the battery charging system evaluated. The position of the starter in these
cars right next to the exhaust also leads to overheating. My new starter may already be weak - may have to purchase a
new one.
I have the original, stock, 137,000 mile LS1 starter on the built LS7 in my 2000 C5. It's been cranking over a 427 with 1-7/8 Kooks LTs since 2005, and even in Florida heat, it cranks with authority. Never a slow, labored cranking. If you need a starter, which I doubt, and hope you don't, I'd suggest a NEW OEM starter, NOT a rebuilt unit. As posted, Make sure your wiring connectors/leads are clean. It'll help if you use some 240 or 320 emory cloth to ensure they're ready to go....
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