So I have been stuck on the side of the road twice today and I guess that means it's time to ask you guys a question. 1953 Plymouth, battery won't charge, When I jump it, it starts and runs until I shut it off. But the lights are very dim. Do I need a battery or do I need to have the generator rebuilt? Any help would be great. Oh yeah, 6 volt system. Thanks guys!
In my general experience, those symptoms point to battery replacement (It typically means that the battery is 'open', allowing the car to start with a jump but never to start on it's own)
Battery won't charge because generator isn't charging (no amps reading on amp guage) or amps reading but not charging? I think you can figure the answer from that...
My amp gauge does not work, I guess I could just test the generator and see if it's putting out any power.
Stick a volt meter anywhere there's electricity to ground with the engine not runniing then start it and see if it comes up a couple of volts. Fix, replace, or byp*** the volt meter if it doesn't work. It could be the problem, but usually barely nothing works if it goes out.
In my opinnion you need an old Motors or Chilton manual from that era to conduct the tests that need to be made to let you know what you need. Several things could cause your problem. Some as simple as a loose wire. We can guess on experience but only conducting the tests will keep you from buying unneeded parts and save a lot of frustration. My SWAG would be a voltage regulator. Worn but usefull manuals can be had on Ebay cheap. Good mechanics like good doctors conduct tests before they start swapping parts. IMHO
If the lights dim when you step on the brakes or put a load on try cleaning the battery cables this can cause a no start and not let the battery charge also. You should have the battery load tested.
If the ammeter is wired correctly, and it's not working, and the generator is working but the battery does not charge.....then replace or byp*** the ammeter and it will fix the problem. I've seen this problem drive people nuts on 60s-70s mopars. But first figure out some basic electrical troubleshooting skills, like how to use a volt meter to measure the voltage at the generator and at the battery with the engine running, if they are much different then the ammeter could be the problem. (ie you see 7.1 volts at the generator but only 5.2 v at the battery, and they should be within .5v of each other)
Very right! To bad all the new ones say is this is to difficult take it to a shop. God I love thos eold ones. Even if a special tool was needed they told you the tool number and how to sue it. And yes, throwing parts at a problem just to see which will work is a waste of time and money. Plus you learn nothing for future reference.
I had something silimar happen to me on my Chevy. It turned out to be a bad cell in the battery. Most parts stores will check your battery for free.
It could be a lot of things...but having at least a volt meter, and knowing how to use it to diagnose the problem, will save a lot of money/trouble in the long run. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8178 has a basic troubleshooting guide...I just skimmed it, but it should be a good place to start. (for 6v systems divide voltages in half)
Same thing happen to a friend on the way home from Paso 2 years back. He was lucky that it was only a bad cell. Have the battery checked for free at any auto zone. Might save you some scratch
I am having the same trouble on a 65 pontiac. I can be driving and then it will shut off then it needs a jump to start again. Replaced battery, alternator tested OK, Volt regulator new. I am STILL lost on this one!
What's the voltage at the battery when you rev up the engine? should be over 13....if it's less then you have a charging problem. Could be the wiring got screwed up, so compare it with the factory wiring diagram, and check for loose connections and wires going the wrong place
I wrote this in response to the question from atxcl***ic, who stated that he has a 65 pontiac.... the original post was about a car with a 6v battery. Just the normal situation here...not to worry.
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