Could it be that you are getting enough charge out of the generator to keep
the car running, but turning on the headlights takes to much power?
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@Autox.Team.Net [mailto:owner-healeys@Autox.Team.Net] On
Behalf Of Robert C. Atkinson
Sent: Saturday, September 25, 2004 7:28 AM
To: healeys
Subject: Headlights Kill Engine
I have an electrical problem. Any suggestions on where to start will be
greatly appreciated. Here's the story:
1. Coming home from a lousy game of golf on a beautiful late afternoon
in the Healey (BJ8)...life is good, despite the golf.
2. It is getting dark...on go the headlights
3. A few miles later, a burning smell...I checked the handbrake and
discovered it was slighltly on and attributed the smell to over heated
brakes. But brakes working fine so I carried on.
4. A few miles later, the overdrive mysteriously cutsout when I
decelerate and comes back on with acceleration. I turn off OD then turn
it back on and no further OD problem.
5. Engine dies at stop signal. No starter, no nothing.
6. Get a push (uphill) to shoulder, take a look under hood...nothing
obvious
7. Call AAA, discover membership lapsed because I moved...pay $144 to
re-enlist
8. Waiting for tow truck, try the ignition again and get a "click"...
9. Local policeman halts traffic so I can coast backward into
adjacent parking lot
10. Coasting into lot, which has long downward slope, I turned on
ignition, selected reverse and popped the clutch...engine fires and runs
great.
11. Get ready to call AAA to cancel tow...turn on headlights, engine dies.
12. Repeat steps 10, 11 a few times...same result (can't start engine
with key...there seems to be battery but starter won't turnover) 13. Tow
truck arrives...
Where to start?
Thanks
Bob Atkinson
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