Starting issues

[Michael Faecher]

1988 Dodge W150 318. Started hard starting recently. When key is turned it barely turns over, turns slow and you think its going to start clicking telling you battery is dead but after 5 seconds it speeds up and fires up. I cleaned battery terminals so far. Also the d/c battery gauge on dash is stuck in the middle. Doesn't move. Don't know if this is related. I also tested alternator with meter and its putting out over 13 volts. So its ok. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[crazzywolfie]

i would probably try running a jumper cable from the battery to the starter to see about grounding/powering it to make sure that your not dealing with a poor connection. could also maybe have a dirty solenoid connection. the 1 contract in the solenoid does usually start wearing out quicker than the other.