PROBLEM SOLVED. I must tell you that all my Volt Meter investigation did not solve the problem; it was solved with DIVINE INTERVENTION. After about 3 hrs of Volt Meter work, I decided to start at the beginning, at the batteries, check these new ones (manufactured Feb., 2013) under a load. I searched all local stores for a good load tester; nothing. Ordered a Midtronics one to arrive on Tues. After an hour of thinking about the truck, I knew I could not wait until Tues. so I loaded those monster batteries in my car for a trip to the auto parts store for testing. As I lifted the one closest to the firewall out and started to hobble away, I noticed the bare end of a large, red jacketed wire pointed straight out of the engine compartment. See Photo 1. It was the wire from the Neg. side of that battery; the 12V supply for the diamond-shaped 12V block near the master cylinder that Warthog had earlier said to check and I did. It was 12V; it was always 12V each of the probably 6 times I checked today. However, it was NOT the 12.8V measured at the battery. These 12 volts simply did nothing under even a minor load. It took the unseen hand of the Devine to let that wire slide out of the poorly crimped cooper connector at the battery terminal
![Problem.jpg Problem.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/302/302545-7fde086cc63d3075bbc264cfdc1e6149.jpg)
![Problem2.jpg Problem2.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/302/302546-797de818d94e6f1c8a5d774f2b00f455.jpg)
![Crimpers.jpg Crimpers.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/302/302547-a28a0617d38a479aca9e983842f7988f.jpg)
![Shined.jpg Shined.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/302/302548-4b443c3f3e864101b1c78b849519462e.jpg)
(see photo). Got my trusty, mega power crimper to do the job right, shined everything up, attached battery connections, tried lights and wha lah; light. Timidly started truck, got starter action. After about 10 off/on starter tries, the engine roared to life. Big bonus; no leaks detected at the IP; will check further tomorrow in the sun.
I want to thank all of you who took the time to offer advice. It was all sincerely appreciated.