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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Further to Len’s comments on the battery connections, I suggest disconnecting and cleaning all electrical connections. The biggest problems with weak batteries and hard starting is with the grounds and the connections. In my 20 year old sailboat with a diesel engine, it was slowly giving me problems with starting. Everyone said need newer and bigger batteries or 3 batteries, or Optimum batteries. I just got a nice set of Stainless Steel mini brushes for my Demel at Harbor Freight and started at the ground on the engine taking the terminals off, wire brushing the stud, the terminals, and replacing. Then to the solenoid on the starter all the way to the ignition switch. At the same time I replaced several automotive terminals with marine water proof terminals which have been installed by previous owners. Marine connectors are tinned to reduce corrosion in a marine environment and have heat shrink connections to the wires which are also tinned. No more hard starting problems, batteries always charged after short trips out to the harbor to go sailing for a few hours and motor back. Check all the wiring connections throughout the system especially the grounds first. By the way, an automotive repair friend recommends using a bolt on the bell housing and a #10 wire to use as the engine ground for additional security on older vehicles instead of engine block.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bob Begani<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BJ8<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>