cold start problems

[1981 ss chevy]

in my 81 c10 when i go to start it i will pump the gas a few times but and pull out the choke but it when wants to fire and the battery drains quick l its a real cold blooded beast but its never been this bad new battery or alternator or??

[Lt.Del]

put a volt guage on the battery when it is running and see if you're putting out  14-15 volts running. It should. If so, alternator should be fine.

Cold weather is a battery's worse nightmare. If the battery is a few years old or more, it may be getting weak.  Trying to start an engine in the cold is putting quite a shock to a battery that has seen its better days.  Try turning on the headlights for a minute or so, then turn them off.  Then crank the engine.  That should get the juices flowing before putting such a shock to the battery.  At least, that is the theory.  

[Irish_Alley]

x2 what Andy said bat is more likely the problem

[1981 ss chevy]

ok will do