Fully charged battery should be around 12.8v. At 12.2v consider it dead, most likely will not turn the engine over. Many people don't realize the proper voltage for a 12v battery. They assume 12v for a 12v battery is good, not true.

I cleaned up the rusted cable at the starter. Test drove it to get to normal temp, shut if off for a few minutes then cranked it over. Although it did cranked over, it acted strained like it didn't have the torque. I'll replace the battery in the spring. If that doesn't do it, I'll replace the starter.

Most automotive electrical-battery shops can put a tester on your battery and tell you which one is bad when you try start your car. Orileys, Autozone, etc will do it for free.

mck531
 

Hey John

As a control electrician I can tell you what to rule out.

While your car is running take a volt meter to the battery.

It should read close to 14 volts. A battery wont crank a starter if you don't have 12.6 volts or more. Also check the output of your altenator. It should be 14 volts.

Its possible you have a dead spot on your starter. I would keep an eye on it

I remember those days....broke nose cones every few weeks on a Hi Compression 427 I had. Used to carry a spare when ever I went crusing and ended up replacing a starter every now and then before leaving the cruise spot. GM did offer a steal nose cone starter back in the day. I know it was available for an LS7 454 Chevelle. Hard to find as time went on, but stopped the nose cone issues. Look for an after market steel nose cone model.

John, I would put a new batter in the car. Prob the battery although heat soak is an issue. I Would also suggest a new cable to the starter and maybe put a heat shield and or wrap around the starter for some added insulation.

I replace the battery with a solid AC Delco, 850 CC amps at 0 degrees, and 1,000 CCA at 32 degrees. So far I've not had any issue's starting it when it's hot however, the true test will be this summer.

John did you do the heat shield too ? I would still suggest it.

I think you should be fine with the new battery and corrected positive lead on th e starter.