Re: IML: 69 Imp Dead Electrical

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

Pegging all the way on the charge side usually means that the battery is taking a full charge, or that the regulator points are stuck. 

I have never had a major short circuit in a car, so I don't know what it would look like. I have had battery's short out, as I explained here earlier. That can cause all kinds of odd problems, including the ones that you describe. A short circuit in an accessory can cause the ammeter needle to peg, but usually that would not last very long, or result in the car stalling. The accessory would normally blow a fuse, or burn up first. If the battery terminal arc's when it is connected, and everything is suppose to be turned off, that is an indication of an accessory problem, or possibly some short circuit, and should be tracked down immediately. This is also dangerous as explosive gases present around the battery, and this spark can cause it to blow up.

I have had open connections that lead to componet failure. A short circuit is going to make something happen fairly quick. If it is in the ignition, it will usually cause the balast resistor to burn out. If it is in the charging system, it will usually blow the battery. What I thought I read this morning in the post was that the car was running, and had been idling in the heat. I understood that the A/C was turned on, resulting in the ammeter showing a discharge, and eventually the car stalled. All of this leads me right to a weak charging system. 

What to do about that and how to check it has already been posted at least once here today, so I won't repost it here again.

Paul W.

In an email dated 22/8/2005 11:30:58 pm GMT Daylight time, joestill1@xxxxxxxxxxx (Joe) writes:

>Would an ammeter pegging all the way to the "charge" side be the same sort of indicator? ?That is, a short somewhere?
>
>--
>Joe 
>Allen, Texas 
>'61 4D Crown Southampton 
>http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1961/JoeStill/index.htm 
>
>
>-------------- Original message -------------- 
>
>The amp meter going to full discharge is a good indication of a short. I would do a careful study of the wiring harness's to look for any damaged wires. The other area would be, as mentioned before, the voltage regulator & or alternator. Also the bulkhead connector is another good place to look. Your post sounded as though you were a bit P/O. The heat and frustration all rolled in one. Been there done that. Let the weather, the car, & you cool off a bit and you will find the trouble. Just take it one step at a time. Thats all part of the hobby. Good luck & keep us posted on your progress..
>
>George
>


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