Author Topic: Won't start after running without alternator  (Read 711 times)

Offline Ravage

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Won't start after running without alternator
« on: June 20, 2014 - 07:42:26 AM »
I took my car out on a long run to prepare for Carlisle but hit a snag. My power steering pulley was wobbling and rattling so I spun around to come home. When I got off the freeway and was sitting at a light the car stalled out and would not start. Notice that the water pump pulley is broken off and the belt that also spins the alternator is hanging free. Good samaritan helped me push it into a parking lot. I waited ten minutes, she fired up and I ran the three blocks back home. Now she still wont start. Very strong crank and usually she fires right up unless she's been sitting for months. Then it occurs to me that my gauges aren't moving with the ignition on and even the headlights don't work. I'm hoping it's something easy like the ballast resistor but was curious what the most likely areas to start would be given the scenario. I'm thinking that I put too much stress on the electrical system somewhere.
"I flipped off a box of kittens once..." (Tycho on being evil)




Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Won't start after running without alternator
« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2014 - 08:01:53 AM »
Headlights not coming on is not related normally to start issues, could be a separate issue though.
If it cranks & your not getting power to the ignition or the gauges I predict it's in the wiring connection at the steering column.
Could be the switch but need to illuminate the connection 1st. Any connection could affect the ignition but not necessarily the gauges....of course that could be a separate issue as well. .
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline Ravage

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Re: Won't start after running without alternator
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2014 - 05:56:16 AM »
Here's the closeout; turned out to be dirty contacts at the firewall interface. Just pure coincidence that this happened on the same trip that the water pump pulley gave out. Unplugged everything, gave it the toothbrush treatment, done.  :working:
"I flipped off a box of kittens once..." (Tycho on being evil)

Offline dodj

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Re: Won't start after running without alternator
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2014 - 07:32:53 AM »
It is amazing how many peculiar electrical issues on these cars come down to poor grounds or bulkhead connector.
Scott
1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
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