Starter/battery weirdness

[Oregoon]

Alrighty--

With the key off in my '66 Burb, the battery will go stone dead over night, even though nothing appears to be left on. I have no radio, no interior lights (they're missing), and nothing seems to be left in the on position. What's more, my wiring appears to be in good shape, and relatively unmolested.

When I connect my battery (I'm temporarily using a quick-disconnect like one would in a boat), my starter often acts like it's got solenoid trouble--not engaging, clicking, etc. However, after a few tries, it cranks my 292 and I'm off to the races.

I'm going to replace the starter tomorrow, and the battery cables. First I'm going to go bananas with a wire tester, and see what gives...

Anyone have any similar issues? Ideas? Advice?

As ever, thanks in advance.

[Oregoon]

Bump.

Did some testing and found bad grounds, and some heinous wiring done by the PO. He had an enourmous stereo in there, and he ran it--and every other accessory he could--off the primary ignition wire.

When I began to unwrap his tape-harness, I found melted wires, bad splices, and shorts galore. I'm amazed the truck didn't burn down.

Needless to say, I replaced a ton of wiring, and yanked all the garbage he had to run his stereo. Bought a fire extinguisher, too!

[scotts62]

Originally Posted by Oregoon

Bought a fire extinguisher, too!

Glad you found it! Those wiring problems will sometimes make you pull your hair out and they can be the most simple of things too.

[skullboydeath]

Yea I know what you mean I hate dealing with wireing hack jobs. I have the fire extinguisher mounted on the passager side floor. My old lady refuses to ride in it. She thinks if I need it then its not safe. lol

[Oregoon]

The PO was an odd cat to say the least. Full-on old-guy style, big white beard, air-brushed wolf t-shirt, sweat pants, sandals and socks... And super into Dungeons and Dragons, computers, Radio Shack... His house looked like some kind of terrible battle between a pack-rat and a techie.

The truck had drapes in it, and numerous antennas mounted all over the place. I should've known the wiring would be hokey.

[joe231]

Originally Posted by Oregoon

The PO was an odd cat to say the least. Full-on old-guy style, big white beard, air-brushed wolf t-shirt, sweat pants, sandals and socks... And super into Dungeons and Dragons, computers, Radio Shack... His house looked like some kind of terrible battle between a pack-rat and a techie.

The truck had drapes in it, and numerous antennas mounted all over the place. I should've known the wiring would be hokey.

gives me a mental image of the comic store guy from the simpsons......

[Oregoon]

That's him in a nutshell!

[protrash64]

Interested to hear your progress; my pickup has had a slow drain and I have never found it. 1/3 of a volt. I have fixed stuff and replaced stuff and it still exsists. I have a new harness to install so I havent looked further. I disconnect the battery as its rarely driven.

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by Oregoon

The truck had drapes in it, and numerous antennas mounted all over the place. I should've known the wiring would be hokey.

I could always try to get the guy that stole my 65’ Fleetside out on a weekend furlough from prison and have him and his crew come over and cut all that wiring out from under your dash, like they did on mine.

Good Luck.

[Oregoon]

Back to the marine battery-disconnect. Drove to work last night, parked my truck, and then enjoyed 537 fun-filled miles in the semi, and returned to the yard to find a dead battery in my Burb.

Sat what you will about Freightliners; they sure do a good job of jump-starting!

Going to replace the starter next. While I doubt it's to blame for my battery drain, it does have a faulty solenoid, and it looks, well, like it's 43 years old.

[dolphman88]

Alternator... mine did the same thing.. like the alternator charged and worked fine.. but i guess something in there was pullin just a little bit of power.., i doubt its ur starter

[dolphman88]

traded my old one. and i can leave it for weeks.. still cranks

[kizer]

Yeah thats just not right. I can walk out after a month plus and my 65 fires right up.

Yeah it should be driven, but hey its in pieces and I'm still giving it a little love now and then.

[Oregoon]

Yep, I think you're right.Ordered an alt today. Mine's old and crusty, and while I could have it tested, I'd might as well replace it, even if it doesn't wind up being the culprit. According to the stack of receipts I got from Comic Book Guy PO, the truck had a great deal of rebuild work done to it in 1984. Then, it sat under a cedar tree, corroding.

Besides, the truck's my daily driver, and what hasn't crapped-out yet will sooner or later.

[dolphman88]

im willin to bet a dollar thats it... btw

[Oregoon]

One dollar it is!

[dolphman88]

have a paypal account??