Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-10-2026, 12:20 PM
tempeonempty tempeonempty is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2024
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 29
Default Getting a 69 back on the road after restoration

Inherited a "recently" restored 69 GTO that I don't think was ever driven post restoration. I am trying to get this car into working/reliable order so my sister can take possession and cherish the car as it should be. So I may be asking a few more questions here along the way!

I replaced the alternator because the generator dummy light was illuminated (should have tested first) but anyways I still have generator light illuminated. Battery test at 12.89 volts (battery is new within last year) and I have 14.1 to 14.3 volts with car running with and without some lights, radio, etc. on. What would cause the GEN light to be lit if charging system tests good?

Also, when I first test drove the car backfired at high RPM, I found the dwell at like 10 and timing was at 0, so I reset dwell to 30 and timing to 12 and it seems to run well. (running 91 octane). The problem after I parked in drive way and tried to restart it would not, acting like a heat soak issue. I let car cool about 30min and it was slow turnover but did start....thinking I had a dead battery and related issue to Gen light, but this morning car fired right up cold. Possible I have bad starter too or too much timing?

  #2  
Old 05-10-2026, 10:34 PM
1969GTO's Avatar
1969GTO 1969GTO is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: central ny
Posts: 1,773
Default

I once had a 65 Tempest with the same light issue, I found a broken ground strap that went to the engine to the fire wall, replaced the strap and the light went out.
Maybe check your ground straps at the chassis to the inner fender passenger side also the strap from the engine to the fire wall.
These are the locations on my 68 GTO and your 69 may have the same locations. Good Luck

__________________
color me gone
The Following User Says Thank You to 1969GTO For This Useful Post:
  #3  
Old 05-13-2026, 11:06 PM
tempeonempty tempeonempty is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2024
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 29
Default

Appreciate any and all suggestions. I verified ground straps in place and good continuity. fuses check out good. Still puzzled, maybe try a different regulator

  #4  
Old 05-14-2026, 05:12 PM
north's Avatar
north north is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,834
Default

Based on how you are reporting the voltage at operation and engine off it sounds like the charging system is working fine so probably just something with the gen light circuit itself. Usually it is a grounding fault in the circuit powering the light. Could be a fault in the ignition switch on the steering column, sometimes little bits of metal break loose and cause shorts in the switch. Jiggle the key in the lock cylinder when its running. Alternatively, perhaps it is something with the printed circuit on the back of the cluster. Lastly the bulkhead behind the fuseblock is a common source of issues, especially on a rusty car or one that has had damp storage.

__________________
My Break Away Squad
1969 Fbird (base OHC, 350, 400HO & Sprint Cvt’s - 400HO & TA ht’s)
1969 Custom S 2dr ht
1969 LeMans (2dr & 4dr ht & Cvt)
1969 LeMans Safari wagon
1969 GTO (2 Cvt, 2 ht & Judge ht)
1969 Cat (3 Cvt’s & a 2dr ht)
1969 Ventura wagon 2 seat
1969 Exec 4dr post
1969 2 Bonnie Cvt's & 2 wagons
1969 Bonnie Brougham (4dr ht & Cvt)
1969 Grand Prix 2 SJ’s
1969 2+2 2dr ht (Canadian)
The Following User Says Thank You to north For This Useful Post:
  #5  
Old 06-20-2026, 08:49 PM
Tuske427's Avatar
Tuske427 Tuske427 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 118
Default

Depending on the alternator removed, the one replaced, and how the car was wired it's possible you may need to splice in a diode to the wiring for your alternator that connects to your gen light in the dash. That diode prevents electricity from back-feeding and illuminating your charging light when running as well as any potential run-on issues. the warning light still works when the key on/ engine off. Some articles about it

https://www.hotrod.com/features/si-o...982-1464-114-1

http://www.madelectrical.com/catalog/alt-1.shtml

__________________
Long live the Muscle Car
Instagram @tuske427
1967 Firebird #BVbird
1967 Firebird 400 4 speed project
1969 Verdoro green GTO (daily)
  #6  
Old 06-24-2026, 12:02 AM
tempeonempty tempeonempty is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2024
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 29
Default

I ended up resolving the Gen light issue with a new regulator. I used the solid state version from Ames.

Waiting for a new mini starter and will install that to address hot start issues.

Next item on punch list is oil pressure guage stays pegged. sending unit looked new but I haven't dug into any troubleshooting on that issue yet.

The Following User Says Thank You to tempeonempty For This Useful Post:
  #7  
Old 06-24-2026, 06:58 AM
RAIIIJudge's Avatar
RAIIIJudge RAIIIJudge is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: MW, MA
Posts: 148
Default

I had some charging gremlins early in the season and when I replaced regulator w/ solid state version from Ames, system appeared to charge fine but my GEN light wouldn't go off. I sent it back and picked up one from Napa and have been all good since. I have zero complaints about our sponsor btw.

Make sure your oil pressure sending unit wasnt installed w/ teflon tape, unit needs to ground via housing. Pretty sure once when I forgot to reinstall sender-wire, pressure was pegged?

__________________
Mike
'69 Midnight Green Judge 462 Ported 48s RAIII Exh Manifolds 4spd 3:73s
  #8  
Old 06-26-2026, 10:25 PM
tempeonempty tempeonempty is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2024
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 29
Default

Questions for those who have installed mini starters. I ordered the IMI high torque mini through ames. when I test fit the starter, I couldn't get the pinion/ring gear spacing to fall into spec as illustrated in the instructions as far as the recommended .100 inch gap from the flywheel. (I may be overthinking this), but I also did not like idea having to cut/splice ignition wire. I'd prefer to keep stock wiring intact... if possible. So ordered a power master starter based on positive reviews in forums and noticed they use a ring terminal on their solenoid. After fitting this starter into place though both the positive battery and ignition wire are too short/won't reach. Sure seems like these aftermarket parts are not worth the hassle? I just dropped 100 some dollars on new "correct" battery cables too. UGH! Should cut and splice wire, install aftermarket battery cables to make one or the other mini starter work? Or just order a reman Delco starter from rock auto for $50?

Also had original rear end rebuild with new gears and posi carrier, with car in air I noticed a leaking axle seal (we put new bearings in seals in too) I thought this was strange but figured maybe just seal got damaged so I get that apart, now noticing a decent amount of debris in the axle tube. I put maybe 20 miles on the rebuilt rear end? I suppose that can't be good and need to tear down the rear end again?

Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:25 PM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017