Electrical Problem

[JHMoparnut]

Well thought I would get the Chally out a couple more times before the dreaded white stuff. Problem is driving along fine and all of a sudden sounds like it is running on less cylinders and my volt meter bottoms out, bounces back and forth while the engine is running crappy then after about 15 seconds everything is fine. I checked for any damaged/melted wiring. Plug wires, alternator and electronic ignition are all about 3 years old. Coil on the other hand is a Mallory but is about 12 years old. Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

[Chryco Psycho]

check the bulkhead connecter

[MEK-Dangerfield]

  Nothing like a good intermittant problem to drive you nuts. I don't suspect the coil. I had one go bonkers on me and it just drove my tachometer crazy, but it did sputter like your car did. It sounds like something is causing a dead short, that's why the volt meter dives. Do you have the old fashioned Amp meter, like they have in the rally dashes? I would be curious to know how that reacts too. If it isn't the bulkhead connector, like Chryco said, maybe the alternator isn't feeling well. That's a sorta guess on my part Good luck.

  Mike

[JHMoparnut]

CP thanks for the input I will check the connector.

MEKrunner yes I have the Amp meter in the dash also and it dives and jumps around also.  

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Hi JHMoparnut,
  After giving this some more thought, I don't like my first post to you My first hunch was the alternator or voltage regulator going nutso on you. That would explain the gauges moving, but your car shouldn't sputter since you would still have the battery to run on. I still don't suspect the coil since the problem went away. Did the problem go away after stepping on the gas, or letting off of it? Maybe taking the connectors off the bulkhead and spraying them with WD40 to clean them up, then putting them back on would help. Keep us updated. I'm always full of more guesses

  Mike