Thats all I can say. I am fucking 20 yrs old (no im not blaming it on my age) and I try my damndest to work on my car with borrowed tools and knowledge. But I get to the point where I completely understand why people pay other people to work on there cars. I still cant fucking get my car to charge correctly let alone run. By process of elemination and other people who know more, I still am not getting anywhere. I realize I am a drain on people but FUCK especially right now when everyone is busy and Turkey Rod Run is next week and my fucking car isnt driveable to get there yet, This will make 2yrs in a row now I dont make it if I cant get it running and I payed a good bit of money on a space. Not to mention other moneys I have put out which I see no return for and I have $1.21 in my bank account so buying parts to fix shit is out of the question. I appreciate all the help and support my club gives but I am tapped out, not to mention everyone else tapped out from helping me. I am to that point now but I am not quite sure what that point is. I know I got fucked on my car when I bought it, shit it was my first old car purchase and I have learned the hard way. Sucks but welcome to my life. I attempted to work on my car tonight but instead of a step forward it looks like about 3 steps back. If anyone saw my car when I bought it and has seen it now they understand. I dont even know what the hell to do at this point, club mates have stopped answering there phones but I DONT BLAME THEM because I know that I am using up all my resources. Shit!, I know not what to do. I know I am bitching but at this point I have to vent.
Damn. It SUUUCKS to be you! Maybe you should just step in front of a bus...Will your hot rod to someone who isn't such a pussy. BUT. On the off chance you find the will to live...Tell us what you have goin on. MAYBE we can be of some help. There are a FEW of us that know some stuff about old cars and such... If you are not wrapping your lips around a revolver right now, gimme a holler. I'll gladly help you out. -Abone.
I hear ya, man, I truly do, on so many levels. Most of my project-oriented friends don't live in this area. My friends here don't have rod project, for the most part, but have warm 'n dry garage space for their cars (which I'm jealous of). Since I started the paint prep work last year, I missed my goal to have 'er in Kool April Nights, then Fortuna Autorama in July, even the Crusin' Eureka in friggin' September. All this missed fun because the project's hampered by lack of money, overtime, crappy weather, one major hurdle after another. Sometimes I don't know why I put myself and those around me (that gotta listen to me) through this. Yet, I can't stop now, not after all this work, especially now that the truck feels more "mine", with each level of work. Y'ever feel that way, Switchblade?
FlamedABone, Take a look a few pages back and look at my post about "Adjusting Voltage Regulator" I try to ask in a professional manner for some non-local advice and it turns into a pissing contest for the locals that know me. I am just getting sick of it, I realize im using my resources up but fuck If i could get my car running I wouldnt need the resources so much. Humbolt, Yeah I feel that way alot lately I DO NOT WANT TO QUIT. I know for 200% that when this car is running and driving I will be fucking exstatic but im sorta at that point where either everything needs to start fittign together a little better or its going to turn into an even bigger clusterfuck. If I didnt know anybetter I would start stripping down the car to NOTHING and start building the car 200% the "right" way. Not that what I am doing is wrong but I know deep down that I could do it this way and be happy driving till she dies yet again OR spend the 5 years it will take and build it 110% the way I really imagine it. Learning as I go with absolutely no deadlines or rushes ? Anytime I mention such things though the idea gets shot down by all my friends etc from the standpoint of not being logical. I dunno yet I do ?
Boy have I been there...more than once too! Vent dude sounds like you need it! Sounds like a wiring thing. I hate wiring things!
Hey bitching works for the old lady, throwing tools seems to work for me. What system are you running, alt, gen?? What make are you using? Charging systems arent that complex, theres help here, just give all the details, also let us know what you have done and why that didnt work. Building old cars isnt a poor guys hobby, I know I'm broke as fuck. Also, it helps to not wait to the last hour to patch up your ride to make a run. My .02.. DRR
OK, calm down and go back to square 1. Try the simple stuff first. Not charging. 1: Check battery connections and cables. May be loose cable end, corrosion, wire rubbed thru or shorting to something it's laying on. 2: Do you have a battery charger? If so charge the battery and see if it holds a charge or if something is draining it. use a multimeter if you have one. Then let it sit a while and see if it reads less voltage. 3: Check the fan belt to the alt or gen {Don't remember what you're working on.) Make sure it's tight but not so tight it binds. If you can get the car started after charging the battery, check the voltage with the alt running. It should show more than the 12 volts it showed before you started the car. If it isn't charging, check the voltage regulator first before the alt if it's separate. (Cheaper) If none of this fixes it, it's the alternator or generator. See if someone has one you can borrow till you can get one.. If it's a 6 volt system adjust the procedure accordingly.
you win the title drama queen boy-o these electircal systems arent complex... what you have tried to do to get rid of the problem?
Ok for those who didnt see the post on my charging problem. 263 Buick Straight Eight. Now trying to switch to 12v, using 12v 1965 Chevy Alternator (part# 7122) and I was using the external regulator 12v for a '57 Chevy (part# VR605 at autozone) that wasnt working so I went today and got the matching regulator 1965 Chevy external regulator (part VR715 at autozone) Put it on tonight as correct as it was before and again the car wont even start. Had that problem at first but for some reason it started fine last night even thought it wasnt charging. Swapped regulator and now its not starting again ? Im confused. Everything is hooked up the same way it came off. Thats where I am stuck.
Yet again a big THANK YOU to everyone who is trying to help and for the rest fucking realize that not all people have it as good as some of you. Let me fucking vent, deal with it, If you dont like it dont post in my damn post. This post if obviously posted because I am frustrated and needed to vent in a car related way to people in the know about cars. If you dont like it oh well, I need to vent and get some help on the car issues that are causing my frustration and I really dont appreciate the extra bullshit some of you are trying to be tough and portray through here, I could garuntee if it was you frustrated and venting I wouldnt try being tough and bring you down farther.
Hey DQ, also make sure you have a good ground. Some alternators will ground through its body, and some need a ground wire. Again, I dont know what youre working with. If you dont have an engine to body ground, just use jumper cables for now. DRR
I usually don't respond to this stuff but that just broke my heart man. It sucks when shit breaks- I threw a rod on my daily driver this weekend and had to stop everything else in my life to do an impromptu engine re-build. Everyone on this board has had this shit go on- its all part of it. Cheer up and get a credit card! But the grass isn't greener on the other side. You have to realize that ALL cars are a pain in the ass (its called entropy) and paying other people to work on them is also a pain in the ass. Normal people- Car doesn't start. Call a tow truck. Get rides for two days. Wait a day for the mechanic to get to it. Pay at least $75 labor plus parts for a starter, battery, selenoid, or alternator- it will be one of them. Elapsed time 2 days Me- Car won't start. Listen for the click of the selenoid. Look at the amp gauge. Diagnose the problem. Get a ride to the parts house. Replace the starter, battery, selenoid, or alternator. Drive home. Look cool getting there. Elapsed time 1 hour. Hell, I don't even go to Jiffy-Lube - it takes too long when I can do it myself in five minutes.
Without being there to see what's going on, I suspect that you have a wiring problem in the harness that goes to your regulator. When you say it won't start, I'm guessing you mean that it won't crank over at all. Might be a short in the starter relay circuit with the regulator hooked up. I got a Chevelle from a kid who tried to convert it to an internally regulated alternator and he messed up the wiring. He had the alternator trying to charge itself! A simple fix....just a goof in his wiring connections. You probably have something crossed that is affecting both your starting AND charging systems. Check for all possible shorts. Even in the alternator itself...I've seen that happen a few times. Bring it to a local parts joint for free testing if you have any doubts. Once you know for SURE that your alternator is good, you do the same with your regulator. Mount it and wire it from skratch if need be to insure that it is hooked up correctly. With everything hooked up right, disconnect a battery cable and place the leads of your voltmeter (or a test light) between the one disconnected cable and the battery post. With all switches off, you should see NO draw across this connection. If you do, then you have a short to look for. (If you have a clock or other accessory that draws power at all times, you may have a slight draw...but it should be minimal.) Wiring problems are generally silly little goofs, and you'll be surprised when the culprit is found! Cover the basics...double check all wiring....and test your components. You'll solve it and be running soon. That's the best I can offer you without more detailed firsthand knowledge of your situation...hope it helps you out some! Good luck!
credit cards and what used to be good credit got my where I am today broke with an old car that is frustrating me lately. I am a big fan of not having credit anytime soon. All my money now goes to a credit consolidation place, insurance, and phone bill. Not to mention gas and food for the month but that is where I am at with $1.21 in my bank.
I'm a little rusty on this subject but is there a difference between a condensor for a 6 volt system and a 12 volt system? Points are nothing more than an on/off switch and I don't think voltage is an issue. My old man had a weird charging/starting problem in a '39 Plymouth I traced it back to the ignition switch (Wires were loose). If the battery is fully charged and holds that charge it should start. Do you have juice to the lights? Take the battery to Autozone and have them check it out. I had one that showed 13 volts at rest and under a load dropped to less than 1 volt! It happened while I was at work. It started fine, shut car off, tried to start it 5 minutes later and NOTHING! I'd invest in one of them 1 wire altenators but first you are going to have to quit calling in sick and get a full paycheck. I read your other posts and it seems your boys were heading you in the right direction before it got hot! Keep us informed.
FATHACK, thanks man. here is a little more info if it helps. The battery was dead on sunday, went and got it charged and tested. Checked out OK. Then drove the car to the parts store running on the battery and they tested the charging system and said, well its not charging. So i removed the alternator in the parking lot and brought it in to the machine for a test, Checked out OK. Put it back to together and got home. Checked the regulator and it appeared to only let 9.18 volts through, swapped it for a new one and asme thing but this time 12v. Checked the terminal on the regulator without the battery connected and it showed 0v. Stumped. Myself and clubmate decide its best to get the matching regulator anyhow and put it in. Did that tonight and now car wont start again ? I am thinking short somewhere but I dont know where to look etc. Once this is solved I will be way happier but its just frustrating not knowing even where to begin.
Curly I still seem to bring home the same amount give or take 5 - 10 bucks even if i missed a day or 2. something to do with taxes or something but trust me I keep an eye on how much I bring home. for everyone, AT THIS POINT A 1 WIRE ALTERNATOR IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. NO MONEY AND ALREADY BOUGHT THE OTHER EXTERNALLY REGULATED.
Hi, now I see what youre dealing with, I'll see if I have a wiring schematic for you, if you dont have one.. Good idea to have the alt checked again, alot of big chain stores sell shit ones. Check the wiring at your ignition switch, as all things will meet there. Change any funky connectors, and scuff them with some sandpaper to ensure a good contact. Good luck.
Take that 65 alternator back and get your basic 76 Chevvie Squarmaro. Yea, it's not so attractive, but who gives a FUCK. This unit is internaly regulated and goes for about 19 bucks w/ core. While you are there, check the HELP!!! section for a GM one wire conversion plug. It goes for about a dollar eighty nine and "self excites" your alternator. (comes with instructions!!!) You will need: A bracket to attach this thing. A GM one wire kit. Some 16g wire. About 10 feet. Some 10g wire about 5 to 10 ft. What you do is this: Mount your alternator. Wire the GM one wire plug. Red wire goes to big pole on the alternator. White goes to keyed switch. This wiring is diffrent depending on if you have points, HEI, and how you have the rest of your electrical system wired. The worst case, you might have to spend 79 cants for a diode at Radio Shack. Next, run the 10g wire from the big pole on the alt to the positive on your 12v battery. If you have a volt gauge or amp gauge, it will be a little diffrent, but. THIS WILL GET YOUR BATTERY TO CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!! What happens is this...You supply 12 from the battery to the alt from the big 10g wire. Once the engine is running, the alt will starting making voltage in access of battery voltage. (provided there is an exciter wire, which is covered in the one wire coversion) That voltage, now at about 14.7 goes into the battery and causes a chemical reaction (lead peroxide, hydrogen, water, etc..) to charge your battery. This is not everything you need to know, but I'm gettin PRETTY likkerd up and I'm goin to bed. If you wanna talk more about this gimme a holler tommorrow. Good fuckin luck and don't burn your car to the ground, -Abone.
I have a wiring diagram for my car. thanks. unless you want to post one for others to look at for guidance.
Hay Teeth- Relax! Unless you get the call frome "the big guy", you are going to get older.It's aknown fact.Many people have tried to slow down the process but it still happens. There are going to be a hell of alot more showes to go to.Good chance that this problem isn't going to come close to some other certastrophy you will encounter down the road.Smokin Joe hit the nail on the head.Do the basics first! Save the double back flip through the flaming hoop holding a full wine glass for the next time.Or when you can impress some chick. Electric circuts are very logical and predictable.Physicaly fixing the the problem might take time, but the answer is there.
Okay, so when you say won't start do you mean battery is dead? I think I've got a single wire (internally regulated) Chebby alternator laying around that you're welcome to if it would help. Let me check. Regulators can be a PITA sometimes. I know what you're going through, just hang tough. Mike's a dick sometimes but he honestly wants to help, I'm sure. He a no-bullshit guy and that comes off rough sometimes. He's a great resource for you and I'm sure you guys will get this figured out. Just checked and I do have one in the pile. If it will help, its yours.
Toofs, Question one for you, did you swap out the coil? If you switched from 6v to 12v you need a new coil and a ballast resistor. Question two, did you take a real good look at the condition of the wiring throughout the car? I had fits with my 6volt system because of worn/aged wiring and it took me weeks to get the brake lights to work. Goofy shit, but it's old, tempermental, and outdated. Question number 3, did you replace the battery with a 12volt unit? These might sound like simple questions but these are all factors that might be giving you grief. I would like to help you out but I need some more info to, hopefully, pin point your problem. I know what it's like man, and it ain't fun. That's why I am trying to help. Battery cables should be replaced also, if you can.
Bigums I know Mike wants to help and can come off harsh its not a big deal to me. Its not even that I am mad at, I am mad that my car is fucking up again, and that I know I have tapped out alot of my resources and need to let them have a break.
I would recommend that you take Bigums up on the offer...I am a firm believer in internally regulated GM alternators myself, and I think you'll find them easier to deal with! It should bolt up to your existing bracket with little or no modification, and wiring it up is a fairly simple deal. If using a stock mid-late 70s type of alternator with a stock plug, the small red wire goes to a keyed "ignition" source, the white one goes to your "charge" light and the big (main) wire goes to your battery (either directly or through a relay connection, depending on how your car is wired.) I'd use the internally regulated alternator...it should help get you on the road quicker and prove more reliable in the long run.
im 20, just about everything ive learned, i learned on my own. trial and error man, your gonna screw up but it feels good to figure somthing out on your own. I am lucky now to have some friends that know their shit and help me out. just keep at it
I love learning, I just learn some things slower than others. i have great friends and clubmates that show me everything but I am just tapping them out using them so much so I am at a tough point trying to get things going and not tapping EVERYONE out.
I know I'm only a gurl, but this statement you made had me wondering, "Now trying to switch to 12v," does this mean your switching from a 6volt? If this is the case isn't 6 volt polerized the opposite way then a 12volt system? I know this might sound too simple a fix BUT you have the correct battery cable going to the correct battery terminal, right? Not trying to be a smart-ass, just trying to help. On a more personal note, I went 2 cruzn seasons without a car, parking in the spectator lot and walking in or hitching rides with friends. Wasn't the funist times but at least I was there at the show. Instead of being bummed out about your car not running, think about all of us folks up north where it is cold. Our cars are but away for the winter, there are no shows to head to, the season is OVER for us. At least you can still attend the show, even if you don't get it running. I'll be considering you a lucky SOB next week cuz you'll be at the TRR one way or another!
Denise, thanks, yeah I had everything I did checked but someone who knows a bit more and they confirmed I indeed put it together corectly.
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