Starter current draw
 

89 ranger, 2.9, auto, missing muffler for 6 months

Battery drains to no start, 3 starts after full charge.

13.7 V when running (unless ignition key is in wrong position, then it doesnt charge, this is not problem im asking about). All night on battery charger starts first time, few minutes later, slow start, turn off then no start with battery dropping to 5 V while trying, then 11v after cranking. 500cca battery tests good at two stores.

Can a bad starter drain a good battery like this? My next step is to check starting current at Autozone. Then drop the starter if it's excessive.

Anyone know what normal current draw should be? Any other advice?

Thx. Student with NO money!

Re: Starter current draw
 

Update.... Check at battery showed 400 amp draw while cranking. Thought starter motor for sure. Dropped it and it tested good. Thought short to ground in cable from starter relay to starter, replaced. Still at same spot. Argggggg! Think I'll take to a shop.

Re: Starter current draw
 

final update...

replaced the starter, problem solved.

here's a particularly helpfull link about isolating where a bad connection/high current draw is with only a VOM.