Alternator causes hard starts?

[GlassesRx]

Ok guys...time to pick your brains again. 1997 Lincoln Conti. I was wondering if a low alternator will cause the car to have hard starts? It will crank and crank but not turn over. I checked the alternator and it's putting out about...approximately 12.7-13.4 volts. I know it should be about 14.3-14.8volts. I'm about to change a new alternator but was wondering if it will cause the car to have difficult starting problems. I charged the battery overnight and it started fine. Was it just "luck", or is it something else causing the car to have diffficult starting issues? Thanks in advance everyone.

[ekooke]

The alternator output doesn’t even begin until 500 engine RPM (about 1,000 alternator RPM) or so, so it’s not charging at all during starting, on ANY vehicle.
The battery could have been in a low state of charge before/when starting, caused by the low charge rate of the alternator. Check the battery charge BEFORE starting the car or even turning on the ignition; it s/b 12.5 volts or so.

[98TC-Cartier]

I think you meant to say" it will crank and crank but not fire", not "it will crank and crank but not turn over".

Probably the ignition switch, just changed the one in the conti, engine would turn over for like 10 seconds and not fire until the key was released. Now it works like a charm.

Took the switch apart, but before that, the start contacts measured up to 10 ohms resistance, then maybe 6 or 3 or 7 or 9 or something different every time the switch was turned to start. Found discolored cooked looking contacts inside.

[purelux]

If it is low on charge try slow charging it like 2amps or so. This will take several hours but is actually fully charged vs a quick charge. Then have it checked at a autozone or advance for free. Have them check the battery and alternator

[GlassesRx]

[QUOTE=98TC-Cartier;628036]I think you meant to say" it will crank and crank but not fire", not "it will crank and crank but not turn over".

Thanks for the correction 98TC! That's what I meant. I had the alternator tested and it was "borderline". So I guess it's barely charging my battery. The alternator is charging about 13-13.4. The ignition switch seems fine though, thank goodness. So I guess, I'll porbably be changing my alternator. Darn those things are $$$. Thanks for your help everyone!

[pro-five-oh]

Get the battery tested too...weak batteries do kill alternators.

[v8_dave]

Could also be your old CPS sensor if shes not firing. Or your fuel cutoff switch in the trunk. Or PCM relay. Does the Check Engine Light come on when your ignition is first turned on like it is supposed to?

[GlassesRx]

Thanks for the tips! I picked up an alternator. It was charing only about 12.8V. The battery is holding at 12.3-12.5. Ce la vie...oh well more $$$ out!