327 Chevy V8 Starting woes

[porkypies]

My 327 Chevy V8 that's installed in a CJ2 replica Jeep, cranks very slowly. It seems to drain the battery even after it had been fully charged. After the engine had been heated up, I almost always struggle to start it. It has a new starter and battery and I installed a 70Amp relay on the starter circuit too. Any advice will be appreciated.

[Moering Tool]

Does it belch black smoke when it does start up again?

[porkypies]

No, no smoke. It runs like a peach (once started )

[mantaray]

run an earth cable directly from one of the starter bolts to chassis of vehicle, it works a charm

[porkypies]

I've done that, but it's still the same. What puzzles me is that if the battery is fully charged, the car starts fine, but when I drive a bit, the battery is flat again (even though it charges at 14.2Volt).....

[Doug Hirkham]

Have you taken the earth strap from the battery directly to the engine or gone via the chassis?

Don't see in your details where you are located, so nobody knows where you are so that we can perhaps assist.

[porkypies]

The battery sits in the back of the Jeep. The earth is connected to the chassis with a short, thick cable. The starter itself is then also earthed to the chassis in front of the car.

[sapphire]

Hi....i had a problem with my 302....car will start fine when its cold.As soon as its hot and the fan goes on it will not start and battery is flat.A friend of mine did the whole earth thing.Long story short he checked my alternator and it was not strong enough.Replaced it and now my car starts like a dream now hot or cold.MB look at alternator.Hope that helps

[porkypies]

I had the altenator tested recently and according to the Auto-Electrician it was fine. The gauge shows it's charging at 14.2V. I will look into it anyway. Thank you!

[sapphire]

mine was 12.75 with new alternator 14.5