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    Author Topic: Starting Problems??  (Read 2167 times)

    Offline woody9512

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    • 71 Billboard Cuda, Pistol Grip 4-speed.
    Starting Problems??
    « on: March 22, 2012 - 07:42:37 AM »
    I have been having an ongoing issue / battle if you will with starting my 71 Cuda 340??  Appears that the charging system not working correctly. I have put on an new alternator / replaced the voltage regulator / battery tests good and according to the shop is good to hold a charge. Even put on a new fusiable link in the wiring.
    Here is what happens........as I increase RPM.........Headlights brighter........Signal lights faster. Lower RPM headlights dimmer.....signals slower. Appears headlights have a flicker as car runs. Can leave car running but once I shut it off the battery doesn't have enought power to start it again and will need to boost it to get it going?
    My next step I'm thinking is maybe a new engine harness?? Looks like it's the original one and probably could use an upgrade anyways??  Could there be a problem / short or something someplace in the harness so power now making it into the battery??
    Any Suggestions!!
    Thanks "Tim"
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    Offline Super Blue 72

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      • Phil's Super Blue '72
    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #1 on: March 22, 2012 - 07:55:31 AM »
    Hi Tim, I'm no electrical expert but before replacing the engine harness, I would bench test the alternator and even try putting in the old voltage regulator to see if the car still behaves like this.  Some new items come from the factory bad.  Do these things one at a time.  Bench test the alternator, make sure that it's running all DC current, meaning constant voltage out.  I say this because you mentioned the headlights are flickering which I'm wondering if the diode rectifier bridge in the alternator might be bad.  Also, revving up the rpms does make the headlights a little brighter normally.  If it appears to be excessively brighter then I would wonder what the voltage output of your alternator might be.

    I'm sure others will chime in.  Hope you find the problem!  :cheers:
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    1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

    Pic #2 and 3 of my ARII 1/24 scale model car 

    Phil in New England-Massachusetts  Always thank God for what you have!

    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/456046/1972-dodge-challenger

    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    • 70 Challenger R/T SE 70 tube Chassis Cuda now sold
    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #2 on: March 22, 2012 - 10:06:41 AM »
    I would start with testing the voltage , put a volt meter on the battery , , battery voltage is typically 13.2 not running & should be 14-14.8 running , make sure the regulator is grounded properly
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    Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

    Offline dodj

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    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #3 on: March 22, 2012 - 05:31:01 PM »
    Sounds like you have a few poor/dirty connections in your wiring. Personally, I would start by taking apart all the connectors/connections and make sure they are all clean. Double check the VR grounding, and check your ammeter connections. (disconnect battery when you do).
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
    2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
    Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

    Offline woody9512

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    • 71 Billboard Cuda, Pistol Grip 4-speed.
    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #4 on: March 23, 2012 - 07:16:42 PM »
    Think I figured out my issue??  Hopefully anyways.
    I finally, after thinking that a newer batter could never be the problem, took my battery that is only a couple of years old over to get it tested and they tell me it's no good and will not hold a charge. It was an expensive battery :money:......one that looks like the old 70's style...reproduction type. I think I'm going to buy a new Interstate battery to see if my problem is solved??
    "Tim"
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    Offline 72cudamaan

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    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #5 on: March 23, 2012 - 07:54:37 PM »
    In your first statement you said the battery tested fine. Time for a new shop?
    Bet you're glad you didn't buy that new wiring harness yet.  :clapping:
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    If I cant fix it, it's broke
     
    Andy  (phukker whither)

    Offline woody9512

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    • 71 Billboard Cuda, Pistol Grip 4-speed.
    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #6 on: March 23, 2012 - 08:02:14 PM »
    Yep......I thought the battery was charging fine at home with my charger but obviously not. So I thought I thought couldn't be the battery? But finally decided to take it to a shop and got the real answer....no darn good.....so hopefully my problem will be solved.
    "Tim"
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    Offline challengermaniac

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    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #7 on: March 24, 2012 - 11:26:14 AM »
    I would keep the bad "original looking" battery for shows.
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    Charlie
    70 Challenger 340/4 Purple
    70 Challenger T/A Red
    Edmonds, WA

    Offline tman

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    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #8 on: March 24, 2012 - 11:48:26 AM »
    That battery under warranty?
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    Offline woody9512

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    • 71 Billboard Cuda, Pistol Grip 4-speed.
    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #9 on: March 24, 2012 - 12:50:22 PM »
    Warrany is all done. Was three years and I'm just about there!  Still looks like brand new though!!
    Just an expensive piece of nothing now!!
    "Tim"
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #10 on: March 24, 2012 - 06:32:03 PM »
    Quote from: woody9512 on March 23, 2012 - 08:02:14 PM
    Yep......I thought the battery was charging fine at home with my charger but obviously not. So I thought I thought couldn't be the battery? But finally decided to take it to a shop and got the real answer....no darn good.....so hopefully my problem will be solved.
    "Tim"
    Once the new battery is in the car and the car is running, check what the battery voltage is. Should be about 14.4v give or take 0.4v  :2cents:
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
    2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
    Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

    Offline woody9512

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    • 71 Billboard Cuda, Pistol Grip 4-speed.
    Re: Starting Problems??
    « Reply #11 on: March 24, 2012 - 07:12:12 PM »
    Will most certainly check the voltage with the new battery once it's installed and car running. Hopefully I will be good to go with my starting issue and all will be solved.
    Thanks one and all who responsed..Much Appreciated!
    "Tim" :bigsmile:
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