2 electrical questions??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 3
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
2 electrical questions??
Driving my 76 the last few times, went to a couple local shows and when I went to leave, I turn the key and it kind of heasitated. Like the starter began to turn then hesitated then turned the car over and it started right up. when I got home, I shut the car off then resarted it just fine. Today It worked just fine.
What would cause the hesitation?
Second, what should the battery Gauge read when going down the road? Mine stays on "0". It does move when using the blinkers or turning on headlights but goes back to "0".
Thanks for the help.
What would cause the hesitation?
Second, what should the battery Gauge read when going down the road? Mine stays on "0". It does move when using the blinkers or turning on headlights but goes back to "0".
Thanks for the help.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: McKinney TX
I am not 100% sure the gauges are the same in a '76 as they are in a '77, but I believe your "battery gauge" should read around 14 volts (+ or - .5 volts) when the car is running....especially above idle speed.
My first guess would be a bad battery and/or alternator, but its hard to say because Im not sure I fully understand what you mean by 'hesitation' when starting. Did it start off sort of slow like it was struggling to turn the car over, then just kick in? If so, thats usually a battery. The fact that it started OK when you got home might be because the battery got a quick, temporary boost from that ride.....?
My first guess would be a bad battery and/or alternator, but its hard to say because Im not sure I fully understand what you mean by 'hesitation' when starting. Did it start off sort of slow like it was struggling to turn the car over, then just kick in? If so, thats usually a battery. The fact that it started OK when you got home might be because the battery got a quick, temporary boost from that ride.....?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
It's possible your timing could be a bit too far advanced...that can cause the hesitation on starting...especially if the engine is warm or hot.
You could also have an oil soaked starter or solenoid going bad. When that happens it will start normally when cold but drags when warm or hot. That sounds like a more likely issue than the timing.
The ammeter (if that's what you have) should show some positive rate of charge when driving. If the turn signals and headlights make it move...some is normal but you may have a battery going bad or a charging system (alternator/regulator) problem. Bad or dirty wiring connections can cause the same thing.
If your car has a volt meter, you should definitely show about 14 volts, or thereabouts. If you show zero, you definitely have a problem...either with the battery, alternator/regulator or wiring.
You should get the charging system checked just to make sure. It could be the root of your whole problem.
You could also have an oil soaked starter or solenoid going bad. When that happens it will start normally when cold but drags when warm or hot. That sounds like a more likely issue than the timing.
The ammeter (if that's what you have) should show some positive rate of charge when driving. If the turn signals and headlights make it move...some is normal but you may have a battery going bad or a charging system (alternator/regulator) problem. Bad or dirty wiring connections can cause the same thing.
If your car has a volt meter, you should definitely show about 14 volts, or thereabouts. If you show zero, you definitely have a problem...either with the battery, alternator/regulator or wiring.
You should get the charging system checked just to make sure. It could be the root of your whole problem.
Last edited by Roughrider; Jun 30, 2007 at 10:06 PM.
Le Mans Master
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Your "battery" gauge should be just a touch on the positive side of zero when goin down the road.......
An easy way of checking your alternator is to watch the gauge when it fires up. The needle should peg all the way to the right and then slowly go back close to zero in a minute or so. If it doesn't move after start up it's bad.............
An easy way of checking your alternator is to watch the gauge when it fires up. The needle should peg all the way to the right and then slowly go back close to zero in a minute or so. If it doesn't move after start up it's bad.............
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 3
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
The gauge says "Battery" in the lower right, not sure if it is an ammeter or not. Can I check the votage with a meter at the alternater? Or where is the best place to check voltage? I am pretty good with a meter just not alot of experience on car electrical.
Thanks for the help
Thanks for the help
