Hi!

Years ago any car starter that drew over 70 amps, no load was
considered defective. That's why I asked.

With all but the largest starters, I'd say that makes sense for unloaded
operation.

I have a 1984 GMC pickup truck with the 6.2 diesel engine. Underhood are two
1000CA/900CCA batteries. On a cold day, without any help from the block
heater, it is sometimes almost all those batteries can do to get the thing
started. I cringe to think about the amount of current feeding that starter
motor...probably nowhere near 900 amps, but pretty impressive nonetheless I
am sure.

Fortunately, it has a block heater, which makes starting it in the winter as
easy as the summer. Now if only it didn't put such a big dent in the
electrical bill!

William