[FWDLK] Trying to start rebuilt engine, part II

[Dan Morton <morton@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Folks,

I bought a new battery -- tomorrow I'll trek back to where the car is stored
and try again.  I haven't gotten any replies to my earlier inquiry -- anyone
have some advice for me?

        Thanks
        Dan

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
> [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Dan Morton
> Sent: Friday, May 18, 2001 9:31 PM
> To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [FWDLK] Trying to start rebuilt engine
>
>
> Folks,
>
> The world's slowest automobile mechanic has finally gotten around to
> cranking the flathead 6 he had rebuilt last summer.  Over the winter, I
> occasionally threw a charge into the battery sitting on my
> workbench inside
> the house.  When I went to put it in today, the hydrometer indicated a
> decent charge -- but the water levels were down.  I topped off
> the battery,
> and threw the charger on for an hour or two.
>
> Now, the motor is really stiff when I go to turn it manually.  I can
> actually do it with a regular 1 ft. ratchet, but I have to lean
> on it.  When
> I crank by energizing the relay, the motor DOES turn, but very
> slowly -- and
> always hangs up at one point.  I have to move it past this point manually.
>
> Do I have a dying battery, as my friend seems to think?  I
> measure 6v at the
> battery unloaded, and the following voltages under load:
>
> battery 5v
> relay out 4v
> starter 3.5v
>
> Granted, the cables and relay aren't ideal -- but they WERE
> working before I
> pulled the block.
>
> Any advice?
>
>         adTHANKSvance,
>         Dan
>