Battery in 1969 completely dead
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
From: Elk Rapids, MI
Battery in 1969 completely dead
I tried starting it last night for the first time in 8 days. Zero charge even after a jump. Headlights were not on while it sat, etc.
I purchased it in March and it had started before after sitting for that length of time or longer.
I assume it's a battery, alternator or grounding issue. My plan is to remove the battery and have it charged (is that more effective than jumping?). If that doesn't work, buy new battery. If that doesn't work, consider a new alternator.
My question: Could something be stealthily draining power on a 1969 while it sits? As a new owner I'm learning the electrical systems and grounding in C3s are fussy.
I'll get a trickle charger but this seems like a pretty rapid drain if the battery is/was ok.
I purchased it in March and it had started before after sitting for that length of time or longer.
I assume it's a battery, alternator or grounding issue. My plan is to remove the battery and have it charged (is that more effective than jumping?). If that doesn't work, buy new battery. If that doesn't work, consider a new alternator.
My question: Could something be stealthily draining power on a 1969 while it sits? As a new owner I'm learning the electrical systems and grounding in C3s are fussy.
I'll get a trickle charger but this seems like a pretty rapid drain if the battery is/was ok.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,880
Likes: 4,467
From: Virginia
A failed alternator diode can drain a battery quickly. Get a battery disconnect, and use it.
Any suspect battery absolutely should be charged outside the car. I had one dribble a bunch of acid and ruin a garage table. That was much easier to deal with than the car.
Any suspect battery absolutely should be charged outside the car. I had one dribble a bunch of acid and ruin a garage table. That was much easier to deal with than the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
SKeough, You said "Zero charge even after a jump," What does that mean? That you were able to jump start the car and the alternator was not charging?
Have you checked the voltage across the battery before starting the car, or after starting the car yet?
Good luck... GUSTO
Have you checked the voltage across the battery before starting the car, or after starting the car yet?
Good luck... GUSTO
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,985
Likes: 4,142
From: US-PNW
I would suggest you buy an electrical multi-meter. Doesn't have to be expensive, but should have DC-volts, continuity, and resistance at the minimum. Innova is a good brand that is available at places like Autozone, NAPA, or O'Reilly's – inexpensive models are the 3300, 3306 or 3320. You can test the voltage at the battery while engine is not running, then, while running, test the alternator's charging voltage at the battery. The 3320 has a battery load tester but I've not used it.
If your battery has removable cell caps, perhaps check the electrolyte levels in each cell and fill to the appropriate levels with distilled water if low.
If your battery has removable cell caps, perhaps check the electrolyte levels in each cell and fill to the appropriate levels with distilled water if low.
