I will check them out later this afternoon.
Wierd electrical problem.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 13
From: Stillman Valley Illinois
Wierd electrical problem.
I replace the old rusted LT headers and cobbled together exhaust on my 66 with the Corvette Central exhaust system that included "block hugger" shorty headers. Went for a drive last night, about 10 miles total; made a couple of stops, shutting the car off with no issues. Returned home, and the car stalled and the electrical system was completely dead. Checked the battery and it was good, but no crank; no lights' no electrical anywhere. Checked the connections for the ground, good; positive, good. 
Waited about 15 minutes, and everything is back to normal
The only thing I can think of is that the new headers are a bit closer to the starter solenoid, and everything is fed from that. Maybe the solenoid is seeing too much heat from the header. I will try to wrap it and see if that works. Any other ideas; suggestions??????
Waited about 15 minutes, and everything is back to normal
The only thing I can think of is that the new headers are a bit closer to the starter solenoid, and everything is fed from that. Maybe the solenoid is seeing too much heat from the header. I will try to wrap it and see if that works. Any other ideas; suggestions??????
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,575
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
It behaves like a bad connection at the bulkhead where the engine and light harnesses connect to the fuse panel. The terminals in those connections corrode and need to be cleaned (unless all your wiring is pretty new).
Although not directly related to the exhaust system, perhaps the wiring got bumped around while you were working, and now it needs to be checked/reseated?
Although not directly related to the exhaust system, perhaps the wiring got bumped around while you were working, and now it needs to be checked/reseated?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,191
Likes: 951
From: Corpus Christi, TX
I'm with Jeff. Take the connectors off the firewall side of the fuse panel and give the terminals a good cleaning, both on the fuse panel and on the connectors. The most lilely culprit is the connector to the 12 gauge red wire that comes in from the starter solenoid: that's where all the power to the car enters the fuse panel.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 13
From: Stillman Valley Illinois
It behaves like a bad connection at the bulkhead where the engine and light harnesses connect to the fuse panel. The terminals in those connections corrode and need to be cleaned (unless all your wiring is pretty new).
Although not directly related to the exhaust system, perhaps the wiring got bumped around while you were working, and now it needs to be checked/reseated?
Although not directly related to the exhaust system, perhaps the wiring got bumped around while you were working, and now it needs to be checked/reseated?
This is my "virginal" experience with mid-years. My other Vette is a 2001. By bulkhead, are you referring to the firewall? I will check it out later this afternoon.
Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,575
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Each is held in place with a small tab above/below the harness connection. Depress both tabs and slip the harness off of the fuse panel. Look for corroded pins on either the harness or the fuse panel. Clean and reinstall.
Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you clean them.
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