The vast majority of electrical problems are caused by poor connections.
Namely the ground. Start at the battery and work you way out in each
direction. Check all the connections, just don't look at them, but grab
them and try to twist and pull. Check the connection at the starter the
same way. Remove each fuse from the fuse block and make sure the ends are
clean. Check the Engine to frame ground strap. Make sure it's tight. (
Connects from the clutch slave to the frame.)
using a voltmeter, check the battery. If the battery reads 12 volts don't
assume it's good. it could have a few bad cells in it. While watching the
Voltmeter, try starting the engine. If the voltage drops off to 10,8,6 you
have some bad cells and need a new battery.
-----Original Message-----
From: DRDohm@aol.com [mailto:DRDohm@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 1999 9:25 PM
To: spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: uh oh...
Listers,
Thanx for the help on the break line issue earlier. I took a file to the
D-bolt and, after a little elbow grease, it went right in. I have enjoyed
many happy of LBCing in the North Carolina sun.
NOW,
The lovely Missus and myself went on a late evening drive tonight and had a
nice drive, covered about 45 miles, but on the way home the care just died.
Luckily we were about a half a mile from the house. We pulled into a parking
lot and tried to restart, nothing, just a "wirrr". So we tried a push start,
no luck. I popped the trunk, wiggled some wires in a manly way and tried to
start again, this time with Christine watching the head lights, nothing.
Christine said the head lights went out completely. So, after a short
discussion of the relative merits of leaving it there and going to get the
jumper cables, we decided to push it back home. But we decided to try push
start one more time... Started right up. Wife drove us home no prob. When
we
got home, I tried to started by again, got just the wirrr. I hooked up Ye'
ol' Heathkit Battery Charger (inherited) and shows the battery as not quite
dead. I did notice when I stopped to get gas, that the headlights seemed a
little dim, and when I started the car it sort of hesitated in that weak
battery kind of way.
My question is... Where do I start?
If its just the battery? Why did it just cut out?
This is my first full-on-won't-do-anything problem. I knew it was just a
matter of time.
Oddly, the discussion about leaving the car went like this....
Me: "lets walk home, and I'll come back tomorrow with the cables"
Wife: "I'm not leaving this car here!"
I was a bit surprised.
Thanx, in advance!!
Don
72 Midget.... Taking a breather.
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