[Roadsters] Headlights drain battery

[Pat Horne]

I agree with Graeme. Another thing you should check is a slack fan belt.

A few questions to figure out exactly what you have:
-Is this something new, or has this problem been with you for some time?
-Are you running stock alternator/regulator, or an upgraded (GM?) 
charging system?
-Are the headlights stock, or upgraded?
-Are all the pulleys stock size?
-Are there any signs that the electrical system has been modified?

With the engine, key, headlights and any other load turned off, does the 
ammeter sit at zero? It should. If it reads negative there is a problem 
with the ammeter which may not need to be corrected., as long as you
know that zero is whatever negative reading you saw with everything off 
and your running reading is at
least that high at an idle, you will be fine.


If you have a volt meter, with the headlights on, connect it from the 
battery negative terminal to the positive post on the back of the 
alternator. You should get about 13.5V at idle. If that is too low the 
battery will be supplying power to the headlights, causing the ammeter 
to read negative. Bet it checked out by someone who knows electrical 
systems..

I am not familiar with the connection so the back of the later year 
ammeters, but I doubt it would cause this problem, but on my 67.5, they 
are 1/4" quick disconnects that are sometimes flaky. I know they were on 
my car and cleaning them up took care of a few mysterious electrical 
problems I was having.

Where are you located?

Peace,
Pat

Thusly spake rick celis:
> hello everyone,
> I am having an electrical problem with my 70 1600. I
> already replaced my battery, alternator, volt
> regulator, and starter. My car is still dying only at
> night when i turn my headlights on. When i turn them
> on i notive my Amp meter drops dramatically and i have
> to keep a high rev @ stops so it doesnt die. Does
> anyone have any suggestions s to what is causing the
> drain Any info will help.
> Thank you
> RC3
> 70 1600
>
>
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-- 
Pat Horne, Owner, Horne Systems 
(512) 797-7501 Voice		5026 FM 2001
Pat at HorneSystemsTx.com	Lockhart, TX 78644-4443
www.hornesystemstx.com
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