[szicree]

Is it possible for a battery to fail in such a way that it puts out only 7 volts, but still cranks the motor very well?

 

[NDrv8r]

battery voltage

Is the 7 volts before or during cranking?

If it was before cranking, I would suspect a problem in the voltage measurement since 7volts would be quite dead.

If you are measuring 7 volts during cranking, I would not get overly concerned.

 

[airguy]

If you're measuring 7 volts BEFORE cranking, and your engine still cranks normally, your voltage meter is shot and the battery is fine. 7 volts during cranking would not be too much out of normal.

 

[szicree]

It was before cranking. I think I've got a bad meter. Thanks.

 

[vic syracuse]

Yes, you probably have a bad meter, BUT 7 volts during cranking is not right either. A good battery should only drop to 9.3-9.6 volts during cranking.

Vic