Electrical gremlin
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
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Electrical gremlin
Hi,
Hoping you guys can help me figure out how to troubleshoot an electrical gremlin. Here is the story - I had a shop install a Dewitt’s radiator / dual electrical fans and replace leaking block plugs on the rear side of the engine about 3 weeks ago. On the way home from the shop, I stopped for a bite to eat and came back out to a dead battery. Apparently, the alternator was shot. Replaced the alternator with a Powermaster unit, fired it up and it ran great. I let it sit for about two weeks then went out to drive it, I turned the key, it tried to turnover several times then just died. I checked the battery it’s at 12.7 cold (when it was it was running the battery tested at 14.6 with the new alternator). So now when I try to start it the starter doesn’t even click and the interior lights shut off. If I wait a few mins and try again, the interior lights come back, but still no power to the starter. Then I turn the key, no clicking, and the interior lights go out. I figured the power to the starter was loose (since the transmission was removed to replace the rear block plugs) but I can’t seem to find a loose connection on the starter. How can I troubleshoot this? Any areas I should focus on?
thanks in advance!
Hoping you guys can help me figure out how to troubleshoot an electrical gremlin. Here is the story - I had a shop install a Dewitt’s radiator / dual electrical fans and replace leaking block plugs on the rear side of the engine about 3 weeks ago. On the way home from the shop, I stopped for a bite to eat and came back out to a dead battery. Apparently, the alternator was shot. Replaced the alternator with a Powermaster unit, fired it up and it ran great. I let it sit for about two weeks then went out to drive it, I turned the key, it tried to turnover several times then just died. I checked the battery it’s at 12.7 cold (when it was it was running the battery tested at 14.6 with the new alternator). So now when I try to start it the starter doesn’t even click and the interior lights shut off. If I wait a few mins and try again, the interior lights come back, but still no power to the starter. Then I turn the key, no clicking, and the interior lights go out. I figured the power to the starter was loose (since the transmission was removed to replace the rear block plugs) but I can’t seem to find a loose connection on the starter. How can I troubleshoot this? Any areas I should focus on?
thanks in advance!
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Check the ground cable on the frame under the battery compartment. Also check the ground strap from the block to the frame, above and just in front of the starter to frame near idler arm mounting.
