Starter trouble

[Wild horse 75]

This maybe my biggest issue. I only have 2, one from the batt to the frame, and 1 from the engine to the frame. Should I add more and where?

Thanks everyone for the input, im going to work on it today and see what I can figure out. it hasn't run in 11 years! so im pretty excited to hear it turn over at least

You should have one from the battery to the frame. One from the engine to the frame. One from the body to the engine. And one from the body to the frame at a minimum. The main ground from the battery to the frame should never be smaller than 4ga. 2ga is better. If you have a ton of electrical loads you might even need to go bigger. Also you mention having a sniper. The power and ground wires for that need to go directly to the battery posts. And make sure where you attach your grounds are clean and use star washers to help get some bite.

 

[Wild horse 75]

Fully charged is 12.6 volts I think. Correct that 12.0 is not charged.

Fully charged is 13.2v. A 12 volt battery is made of 6 cells that each have 2.2v. Your charging system should run around 14v. And less than 9.6v during cranking and you’ll have a hell of a time getting it started. Especially with fuel injection.

 

[ba123]

Fully charged is 13.2v. A 12 volt battery is made of 6 cells that each have 2.2v. Your charging system should run around 14v. And less than 9.6v during cranking and you’ll have a hell of a time getting it started. Especially with fuel injection.

I've never heard that...but I guess it depends on the battery. I was being specific to the battery mentioned and here is directly from the Optima Website:

Normal Voltage for Car Battery

The normal voltage for a car battery can vary, but we'll tell you what you need to know in the Power Source blog

www.optimabatteries.com

"For most car batteries in use today, typical battery voltage should be in the range of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts, including OPTIMA REDTOP batteries."

I see on that same page, that the Yellow Tops are 13.0-13.2.

 

[Broncobowsher]

This maybe my biggest issue. I only have 2, one from the batt to the frame, and 1 from the engine to the frame. Should I add more and where?

Thanks everyone for the input, im going to work on it today and see what I can figure out. it hasn't run in 11 years! so im pretty excited to hear it turn over at least

Body needs a ground. All the lights, the voltage regulator, even the starter solenoid are all grounded to the body.
The frame actually needs the least grounding. Name anything electrical that is hooked to the frame, that isn't sitting on rubber mounts.

Battery can have a surface charge that will show ~12V, but internal issues can prevent it from making any usable power. Try to draw any amps out of it and the voltage drops to nearly zero. Let a local parts store test the battery and see what they say. I bet it isn't good.

 

[T4x4R]

I've never heard that...but I guess it depends on the battery. I was being specific to the battery mentioned and here is directly from the Optima Website:

http://[URL]https://www.optimabatteries.com/experience/blog/normal-voltage-for-car-battery

[/URL]
"For most car batteries in use today, typical battery voltage should be in the range of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts, including OPTIMA REDTOP batteries."

I see on that same page, that the Yellow Tops are 13.0-13.2.

Battery just tested at 12.8, so im gonna jump into all the grounds now