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Re: Yet another ignition problem

To: "Charles D. Sorkin" <cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Yet another ignition problem
From: Frank Clarici <spritenut@Exit109.com>
Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 15:23:31 -0500
Cc: Spridgets list <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Organization: Positive Earth Drivers Club
References: <000701bf4a3d$8bfae780$2e17d3c6@ht3zv>
Reply-to: Frank Clarici <spritenut@Exit109.com>
Sender: owner-spridgets@autox.team.net
"Charles D. Sorkin" wrote:
> 
> Well, I started from the begining this morning, checking connections,
> replacing the rotor and cap on the distributor.  When I tried starting
> again, I hooked up the jumper cables to a running car (I had already run the
> battery down trying to start yesterday), and the Midget started on the first
> turn of the key (!).  I waited about 60 seconds or so, listening to the
> sound of the engine, and everything seemed fine.  However, at the -precise-
> instant that I removed the jumper cable from the positive on the Midget
> battery, the car stalled out, and resisted all attempts to be restarted.
> 
> Thus, my problem is in the battery, right?  Before I go out and buy a new
> one, is there any other problem that could cause the car to die at the
> instant that the cable has been removed?  Even though it has enough juice to
> turn the starter a little bit, and light the headlights, it has been
> difficult to hold a charge lately.  I'd been eyeing the alternator.


Charles

A battery with a dead cell will crank a car but it may only have 9
volts, not enough to power a 12 volt electronic ignition and/or coil.
I had a new battery that had a bad cell, it started the pick up everyday
but in the process, the clock and radio memory went dead. After 3 years
it got annoying but it managed to fire up the truck everyday. When I
finally had it tested, they said it was bad. 
The colder weather definatly affects the battery and this is probably
your case.
Try again with jumpers, if it fires up, I would get a new battery.
Take measurements of the old battery and go to any auto store, and get
one that is close in size. Also watch which side the terminals are on,
you want them away from the firewall so it does not make those little
corroded holes in the firewall like most Spridgets have. It may not be
original and correct but neither are the rotted holes above the battery.

-- 
Frank Clarici
Toms River, NJ
Too many Sprites (again)
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
http://www.exit109.com/~spritenut

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