Somedays I simply hate my SC.

[Oh Haha]

Argh.

Last weekend I got the SC out of winter sleep. It started right up and ran perfectly.

It sat since Saturday until this morning. I decided that I would drive it to the office since the weather was supposed to be nice.


When I went to fire it up, it cranked slowly and wouldn't fire. The battery then wore down in trying to start it. I put my charger on it for about 20 minutes, which has worked in the past, but I had the same issue. I gave up and left it.

Tonight, I put the charger on the battery for a good 1.5 hours before attempting to start it. It cranked fast but still no fire. The battery tested fine and it is only 2 years old and I ruled that out. I checked for spark and that was present. I lifted the fuel metering plate and could hear the injectors and fule pump work. grrrrr

I swapped the FP relay and determined that it was indeed working. grrrr

Took a break and searched Pelican. I don't have fuel pressure gauges so I was limited to what I could do.

I finally held the throttle open while cranking it over and it started. She ran rough for a few minutes but then smoothed out. I took it out for a little drive and it ran just perfectly.


Just venting, I guess. Somedays, it would be much easier to have a newer one.

[wrinkledpants]

Sounds to me like it would have been a non-issue if you had just checked to see if you flooded it first Cars of today get dead batteries, and when they do, the electronics go haywire. So, I think you got off pretty good!

[Reiver]

Wait, you are upset because your 30+ year old car doesn't act like new?

[TibetanT]

Anytime you want to give up on your SC, I will take it off your hands. LOL

[javadog]

If your car sat for a week and then cranked slowly, your battery is not fine. Check the water level, check the charge level, check the connections, check for a draw, check the charging voltage, etc.

JR

[wayner]

Our newer car just needed a $600.00 thermostat job at 40k. I think your SC is doing alright

[redstrosekNic]

It's just trying to keep you on your toes

[porsche930dude]

That happens to me too. the problem is its flooded. If i crank mine for more than a few seconds with a slow battery it floods. it needs full speed starting to fire it up. let it sit a day or two with and try it again with a full battery. want a car with no quirks get a camry. dont sweat it.

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by Reiver

Wait, you are upset because your 30+ year old car doesn't act like new?

No, I was disappointed that it let me down. I've had it for 11 years and only a few times has it NOT started quickly. I think it was more operator error than the car.

I just went out and turned the key and it fired up without hesitation. I should have given the battery a full charge the night before and I didn't. I am going to check the battery state in a couple of days and see if it stays charged. I tried a different battery and had the same result last night so I think I flooded it and compounded the issue by not just leaving it alone.

TibetanT-I'm not ready to give her up just yet but I'll keep you in mind.

[Oh Haha]

BTW-My DD needs front strut mounts AGAIN so I really should stop the whining.

[Jerome74911S]

Sounds to me as if your car ain't bad. Do you use a battery maintainer?

If my car starts, after a too long winter (more snow last night and 10 degrees F this morning) I will rejoice even if there are a couple small glitches.

I growl at my car just as much as I smile at it.

[Joe Bob]

Never give an old car a compliment. It will then turn on you.

Charge the battery and see how the alt is doing. 12.5v+ at rest, 13+ at idle, 13.5-14 at 2500 rpms. Test again at rest after you have run it.

Batteries can show close to full charge and still have a bad cell. Load tests are next.

[Guardsred911]

I have resorted to using one of those battery disconnects. I even disconnect it over night... there is some slight drain, and after replacing the battery, chasing down the alternator and VR issues, having the alternator rebuilt, it would probably be fine. But for the once a week I drive it, I would rather take the 3 seconds to connect the battery and have it start right up.

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Never give an old car a compliment. It will then turn on you.

Charge the battery and see how the alt is doing. 12.5v+ at rest, 13+ at idle, 13.5-14 at 2500 rpms. Test again at rest after you have run it.

Batteries can show close to full charge and still have a bad cell. Load tests are next.

Did that test today. 12.5 at rest, 13.4 at idle.

I have a battery shutoff but don't disconnect it except for over the winter.

[Joe Bob]

Then hit it with ether into the intake. Should start even if flooded.

[ArchHibb]

FWIW, beware trying to start an SC with a less than fully charged battery...
BANG! There goes my SC airbox, but why?

[nineball]

there will always be a spot in my garage for your car wayne

[Oh Haha]

Thanks Kris!

I took it out for a spirited ride this afternoon of around 50 miles. It's running just fine.

Lesson learned(again I suppose) on having a fully charged battery.


I figure these cars are like your wife/gf/significant other.......


Some days are good , some days are not so good but you still keep them around.

[dcjones56]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

Thanks Kris!

I took it out for a spirited ride this afternoon of around 50 miles. It's running just fine.

Lesson learned(again I suppose) on having a fully charged battery.


I figure these cars are like your wife/gf/significant other.......


Some days are good , some days are not so good but you still keep them around.

Battery Tender PLUS is the way to go, and yes it is a serious relationship.

[Dodge Man]

The fuel pump starts before you get to the starter position on the ignition switch to pressure up the system(at least on mine). If the starter cannot spin the motor the properly the CIS (Continuous Injection System or something like that) motor floods like mentioned above. Then the possible backfire and exploded air box misery. Pay the few $$$ for the pop-off valve because it is cheap insurance. However, you do not want to flood to the point of going "hydraulic"(NHRA TF term) and bending & breaking parts. I have kept my dual batteries and my 73 fires up like a champ even after sitting for weeks without trickle chargers. Since you have a single the Battery Tender may be a nice option to save a lot of frustration & grief. Happy motoring.