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Dodge Dart charging problem...complete mystery in my 66
6 messages, Last post on Jan 14, 2008 at 7:34 AM
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What is this discussion about? Dodge, Classic Cars, Coupe, Convertible, Truck, Sedan, Wagon
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#1 of 6 Dodge Dart charging problem...complete mystery in my 66 by nicobee
Dec 26, 2007 (3:38 pm)
My 1966 Dodge dart 225 recently had a smoking battery problem. I purchased a new battery, put in a new voltage regulator, had the alternator tested (it tested good at two different store locations) and started up my car. She started right up with no problems, but when I looked at my ammeter, it was sitting right in the middle of the line, not charging at all. I pulled the negative battery cable and the car died instantly.I am at a loss as to what could be causing my battery to not charge. I have checked all my wires and connections so they're clean and tight. As I stated, I replaced the VR, the battery and the alternator. I checked the fuse at my positive battery cable and it doesn't look like it has blown.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to something I may have missed?
#2 of 6 Re: Dodge Dart charging problem...complete mystery in my 66 [nicobee] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Dec 26, 2007 (3:49 pm)
Replying to: nicobee (Dec 26, 2007 3:38 pm)
If you pulled the cable and the car died, then either the alternator or voltage regulator is not working, or at least not wired up properly. Don't go by the dash gauge. You should be using a simple voltmeter.
If you are buying these parts from a large discount outlet, you have about a 1 in 10 chance of getting a bad one. If you go to NAPA the odds go up considerably.
- nicobee (Dec 26, 2007 4:09 pm)
- isellhondas (Jan 03, 2008 2:42 pm)
Replies to this message:
#3 of 6 Re: Dodge Dart charging problem...complete mystery in my 66 [Mr_Shiftright] by nicobee
Dec 26, 2007 (4:09 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 26, 2007 3:49 pm)
I thought of the VR and purchased yet another one. It is still not charging. I have tested my alternator with a voltmeter and it seems to have the correct output. I really don't know what else it could be.
- Mr_Shiftright (Dec 26, 2007 4:26 pm)
Replies to this message:
#4 of 6 Re: Dodge Dart charging problem...complete mystery in my 66 [nicobee] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Dec 26, 2007 (4:26 pm)
Replying to: nicobee (Dec 26, 2007 4:09 pm)
Wiring or a totally fried battery. IF you can find a Chilton's they'll tell you how to do a regulator by-pass test. Did you put the voltmeter on the battery with the engine running. What voltage did it register as you raced the engine?
#5 of 6 Re: Dodge Dart charging problem...complete mystery in my 66 [Mr_Shiftright] by isellhondas
Jan 03, 2008 (2:42 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 26, 2007 3:49 pm)
There used to be a place in the LA area where they "rebuilt" generators, alternators and starters. The place was amazing. Today it's probably a toxic waste site. I'm serious.
About 40 guys sat at long filthy tables overhauling these units. They replaced only what was needed to make them work and nothing else.
After the units had been "rebuilt" they were polished up and painted to look good...and they did!
At the time, I think they sold the generators and alternators for something like 12.00 and the starters were 15.00.
They also sold "rebuilt" car batteries for 10.00.
To rebuild one they turned them upside down on a heavy screen that was on top of a 55 gal drum. After draining the acid, they would beat on the bottom of the batteries with a mallet to dislodge anything causing the plates to short out.
New acid, an hours charge, a polish job and a new decal and you were good to go!
I think they offered something like a 30 day warranty on the stuff they sold. Hey, we were young and broke and sometimes the stuff actually would work for awhile.
This place also sold "reclaimed" motor oil. If you brought your own bulk container I believe it was 15 cents a quart!
After about the third time immigration agents raided the place, it shut down.
The place was a far cry from a NAPA store!
#6 of 6 voltage regulator by sandman235
Jan 14, 2008 (7:34 am)
these early chrysler charging systems were notorious for bad voltage regulators- All Messages Displayed
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