So...
It seems my starting problems have been resolved... after changing the
alternator and letting the battery get a good charge.  I'm still
wondering about changing the wire between the alternator and the
battery, to avoid future problems like this.  My voltage at the
alternator is 14.0 volts, and at the battery is 13.25.  What do people
think?

Wesley Alden Pegden wrote:
> Hi guys,
> I'm having frustrating electrical (I think) problems.
>
> First, my van ('84 manual) wouldn't start.  Headlights would come on (battery okay) and they would dim when I turned the ignition (so power was getting to the starter), but it wouldn't turn.  I heard a click when I would turn the key, and again when I would release it.
>
> I ordered a rebuilt starter, and finally got around to installing it today.  It started twice in a row, so I thought it was okay, but then the third time it didn't, and I realized I was back where I started.  It starts maybe one out of 5 times, and when it starts, it starts right away.
>
> The battery is right at 12.0 volts with the car off.  With the key turned all the way (but when it fails to start) it drops to 11.4.  If it starts, it sits at 11.6.  So now I figure maybe my alternator is bad.  I had an extra alternator, so I put it in, but absolutely nothing has changed, and so  now I'm stumped.
>
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
>
> -Wes
>
>