I've had this problem off and on for a year or two. Its intermittent and I can't figure out when its likely to occur. I'll start the engine - if its cold or its been a while it'll take a few tries. I'll get good startermotor behavior, and good juice from the batteries. Usually it starts. Sometimes, though, pressing the ignition switch will do nothing, except the ammeter needle will fall all the way negative. Sometimes if I leave it a few minutes, it will come good. Sometimes (I think) if I turn the main switch off and on, it will fix the problem (?). I've also got a feeling that the battery begins to sound weak before this fault manifests. It did today anyway.
What might be causing this sudden and intermittent dead short?
I know the starter/solenoid is going to be the prime suspect but I've tested this in the past, and I've even had it out and opened it up.
I've begun to suspect my hi-amp wiring and main switch - mostly 40+ years old I assume. I read somewhere that old Perko main switches can get filled with a green goop- I'm trying to find a new one. My battery leads are looking frayed and green at the terminals. Could it be that built up resistance in old wire might be the culprit? I'm thinking that a motor rewire is in my near future - at least main power wiring.
Could anyone shed light on this issue and/or give me a sequence of test routines. I've got a multimeter and pretty much know my way around electrics.
thanks
Simon
What might be causing this sudden and intermittent dead short?
I know the starter/solenoid is going to be the prime suspect but I've tested this in the past, and I've even had it out and opened it up.
I've begun to suspect my hi-amp wiring and main switch - mostly 40+ years old I assume. I read somewhere that old Perko main switches can get filled with a green goop- I'm trying to find a new one. My battery leads are looking frayed and green at the terminals. Could it be that built up resistance in old wire might be the culprit? I'm thinking that a motor rewire is in my near future - at least main power wiring.
Could anyone shed light on this issue and/or give me a sequence of test routines. I've got a multimeter and pretty much know my way around electrics.
thanks
Simon
Comment