#1  
Old 06-06-2023, 11:38 PM
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kingbuzzo kingbuzzo is offline
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Default prolly noob question...charging

While my bumpers were removed on my 74 TA to get refinished I decided to remove my tail lites for upgrades.

However after successfully testing all my lights my car wouldn't shart so I jumped her with the wife's cheby but it didn't have enough poop to turn her over.

Then I boosted her with my truck with no issue and let her run for about twenty minutes.

Then I noticed the in dash volt meter was on less than zero when it is usually 13/14v.

It won't start again, my portable volt meter froze last winter apparently but does this mean my battery is toast, or my alternator isn't functioning or i have a gremlin short somewhere.

I have the batt on the charger rn to hopefully rule that out.

Dying to get her on the road this weekend for the triple car events after a schlong winter. 🙄

Thanks

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'74 T/A 455 Y-code SD clone

previously on Dawson's Creek:

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  #2  
Old 06-06-2023, 11:42 PM
Trevor78 Trevor78 is offline
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Could be both, flat battery and failing alternator. But even a flat battery will show if alternator is putting out 14v or so to charge it. If showing far less, or not moving it could be something else, or gauge feed.

  #3  
Old 06-07-2023, 10:52 AM
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kingbuzzo kingbuzzo is offline
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The battery doesn't seem to be charging - at least the meter hasn't moved in hours and the charger is hot-ish.

The alternator is new and I used it only a month last season. The battery came with the car so it could be old-ish.

I'll source a new battery today.

This sucks.

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Esquire

'74 T/A 455 Y-code SD clone

previously on Dawson's Creek:

'74 T/A 400
'81 AMC SX/4
'69 FB 350
  #4  
Old 06-07-2023, 02:42 PM
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kingbuzzo kingbuzzo is offline
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update:

Battery charged after all...disconnected my radio/accessories, car sharted ok - the voltmeter gauge is working however it is only showing between 12-13V.

I wonder if my new alternator is going and I have a parasitic drain within my accessory wiring as well.

If I can get the battery to self-charge I guess I can eliminate one accessory at a time until I find the culprit.


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Esquire

'74 T/A 455 Y-code SD clone

previously on Dawson's Creek:

'74 T/A 400
'81 AMC SX/4
'69 FB 350
  #5  
Old 06-07-2023, 03:40 PM
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Bill Hanlon Bill Hanlon is offline
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Default

It is quicker to unhook half at a time instead of one circuit.

Then again it would be even quicker to use a meter to troubleshoot it.

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  #6  
Old 07-26-2023, 04:52 PM
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kingbuzzo kingbuzzo is offline
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to wrap this up...it was a failing battery after-all 🔋

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Esquire

'74 T/A 455 Y-code SD clone

previously on Dawson's Creek:

'74 T/A 400
'81 AMC SX/4
'69 FB 350
  #7  
Old 07-26-2023, 06:44 PM
stellar stellar is offline
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I guess the battery sharted itself

  #8  
Old 07-26-2023, 07:18 PM
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kingbuzzo kingbuzzo is offline
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It sure did... I got a big radio which doesn't help

Sent from my Surface Duo using Tapatalk

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'74 T/A 455 Y-code SD clone

previously on Dawson's Creek:

'74 T/A 400
'81 AMC SX/4
'69 FB 350
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