Turn on headlights, engine dies
Thread Starter
ToolMan
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
Turn on headlights, engine dies
I have a 1970 350/350, 11:1 with stock Qjet carb. Bought this low mileage car in February and like others on the Forum, my headlights opened and closed on start-up and my windshield wiper door remained open.
I replaced a bad check valve, a wiper relay and the wiper circuit works correctly now.
Determined the headlight relays were loosing vacuum and replaced them today with new ones from Ecklers. When I turn on the headlights, I have no low beams, the headlights will not go up, the mechanical over-ride under the dash will not raise the headlights AND at idle, the engine dies when I turn on the lights!
I expect a vacuum leak somewhere and I have removed the headlight switch. The blue stripe hose between the switch and the mechanical override appears good.
How can I check out the headlight switch? Could the "new" relays both be bad? I am stumped.
I replaced a bad check valve, a wiper relay and the wiper circuit works correctly now.
Determined the headlight relays were loosing vacuum and replaced them today with new ones from Ecklers. When I turn on the headlights, I have no low beams, the headlights will not go up, the mechanical over-ride under the dash will not raise the headlights AND at idle, the engine dies when I turn on the lights!
I expect a vacuum leak somewhere and I have removed the headlight switch. The blue stripe hose between the switch and the mechanical override appears good.
How can I check out the headlight switch? Could the "new" relays both be bad? I am stumped.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Sounds like 2 problems. Vac leak and elect. problem--no low beams. Dimmer switch? You'll just have to trace the wires and check for voltage as you go along. Obviously, check easy things first. Sockets, bulbs, broken wires. Good luck
Last edited by Sayfoo; Aug 25, 2006 at 09:14 PM.
Thread Starter
ToolMan
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
Thanks, will get into wiring and hoses tomorrow...
Saturday update, found one headlight relay was bad, the other sticking. Car won't start, appears the carb is flooded.
Saturday update, found one headlight relay was bad, the other sticking. Car won't start, appears the carb is flooded.
Last edited by RodTeq; Aug 26, 2006 at 05:38 PM.
