Intermittant trouble starting

[Tornado T5]

Hi Splitn,

I think I have turned the aircon off before trying a re-start, plus the radio and anything else that might be taking electrical power when the slow crank occurred. I cannot honestly say aircon was left on every time before turning engine off and returning later with a slow crank problem but will definitely check just to see if any problems. I've even begun waiting longer after the glow plug dash light extinguishes before starting to see if that makes any difference, lol. Funny thing is today in Melb. it hit mid 30's and never had an issue all day although only made 3 stops today. Inconsistent it would seem.

[Sunny43.5]

I know its probably obvious but how about cleaning the battery terminals could be some gunk causing bad connection .

[Syncrotek]

Not certain, but I thought the air cond. was deactivated at engine start, if it was on, the
radiator fans would also be on which would be a real strain on the battery, to be certain
one would have to connect pressure gauges to the air cond. and observe while starting.
Your troubles I am eduguessing is battery, but we all know the pitfalls of over the phone
diagnostics.

[Tornado T5]

Just an update:
On Monday did a 400km delivery run, never turned off the engine at the 20 farms, got back to my factory in Melb, turned off engine, unhitched trailer, started up and drove out of factory, turned off, closed roller door, locked up, got in to go home and very slow crank, to eventual nothing, no cranking at all. Headlights still worked, radio, interior lighting, central locking but slight burning smell when I lifted bonnet. Called Tucker Road Motors to OK being towed there, (thanks Dale), called RACV requesting tow and not to bother with roadside service thank you. Next morning got call saying....... battery was cooked and starter perfect. Thanked Dale, paid for new h/d battery and said I'll be back in 3000km for next service.

Not sure why battery problem or more correctly issues maybe with individual cells wasn't picked up when this first happened (must stress Tucker Rd Motors was never involved until now but more then happy paying for a new battery over a new starter motor. And it's only now when it fires instantly that you realise what is should have been like.

Thanks to all those with more expertise, I've learnt that although all other electrically run features might work OK using battery it can still be the problem. Must say it's lasted since June 2007 so cheap motoring in this case.