Voltage Drain

Gonzo · 06-11-1999, 06:02 AM

I just replaced my clutch by removing the tranny while the engine was still in the car. After 2 days of this the new clutch was in. But on my test drive the voltage plummetd down to 0, no power lights nothing. It will start after 15 min or so with full lights then drive for about 5 min then get drained. I replaced the voltage regulator & still have the same problems. Could it be the alt? Also which spade connector does the ignition wire connect to on the starter solenoid? Did I forget to connect a wire or something?

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Sounds like you forgot to connect a wire. Or perhaps a ground strap--the one from the top-rear of the tranny to the trunk floor?

The yellow wire from the ignition switch goes to the spade terminal on the starter solenoid. I think there's only one, and it's near the top.

The red wire from the starter goes onto a stud sticking out the back of the solenoid. The longer one--the shorter one is a ground and you WILL fry something if you hook the alternator to it. The short one is righ next to the starter motor, the longer one is kinda in the middle of the solenoid.

The THICK black (or red, according to Brian K.) wire from the battery is also connected to that same stud.

--DD

Gonzo · 06-13-1999, 06:35 PM

Found the culprit: bad Voltage Regulator! Thanks for the tips.