Hard Starting Hot Big Block
So I just ordered one of these, should be here tomorrow. Am I correct that I can take this to the starter and draw the load right at the starter lugs using this tool and test for voltage drop vs having to have someone start it?
You can IF you can get the clamps on there, but that is not the normal use. What you need to do is get the problem "showing" (engine hot) and measure battery voltage or rather voltage right at the starter as the starter is trying to crank. Then apply the load tester and draw the battery v down until it is the same as the starter was cranking. At that moment, the instrument will be drawing, and will show on it's ammeter, what the starter is drawing.
As OldManMopar has said implied in his post, tho, this does not tell you whether:
the starter is dragging because of an internal problem, either mechanical or electrical, or whether the engine friction / bearings/ rings/ other clearances are too tight.
I do realize that a trunk mount battery can certainly complicate troubleshooting this problem for the very reason in this post---access to the starter terminals.
It may be helpful to get or build a short eyelet to eyelet cable, about a foot, out of the largest gauge you can get, to bolt onto the starter post for better access for such testing.