The Computer and the Cranking System

This paper gives insight into comments and suggestions gleaned from computerized maintenance reports pertaining to the cranking system.

Part I deals with the starting system: what makes it expensive to maintain and what can be done to reduce maintenance costs. Specific suggestions are listed.

Inasmuch as 90% of the overall maintenance costs of the cranking system is brought about by faulty batteries, it is important to analyze the nature and extent of battery troubles. This aspect of the cranking sustem is discussed in Part II, including tests made of 10 Ryder trucks to delineate problem-causing practices and design deficiencies that contribute to high maintenance costs.

Part III covers the importance of battery cables and connections. Major items of cranking system expense are compared to show that possible savings can result from improved cables and connections.