68 Conv, just purchased. Car will start easily with a jump but the battery is not charging. Drove it for 45 minutes, parked and tried to restart...Nothing. Any advise is appreciated. Tony

 

Welcome Tony, You can take it to a AutoZone or the like and have them check charging system. I think they will do it for free in the lot as you wait. Lets see some pics of your 68!

 

^^^x2. Sounds like an alternator gone bad.

 

Might want to start with a battery charge and load test - easy, low tech and low commitment. Charge it and walk it into parts chain store, they’ll do it on the spot for free. Battery has to be charged fully for a meaningful load test. Also any charging system test should start with a fully charged battery. Start with the most basic and limit variables, at this point it’s even odds as to where the problem lies.

 

First charge the battery and make sure it holds the voltage of 12.6V. Then start the car and see if the alternator is putting out 13.8-14.2VDC across the battery. If the battery is holding voltage and the alternator is charging then look for a parasitic draw causing the battery to go dead with the engine off.

 

As stated check the battery first.
If the battery is good use a voltmeter and start testing before replacing quality original parts. That circuit isn't overly complicated and would be a good place to start learning.

​​​​​'68 should be an external regulator on the firewall...someone please confirm???

Good luck and welcome!!!

 

Welcome. First thing you should do in my opinion is get a multi meter, they are cheap at harbor freight and if you plan on running a 50+ year car you will probably use it multiple times in the future. Without it you are depending on someone else to diagnose your issues. The second thing is get a factory service manual you will use it the rest of the life of your car. Just my thoughts.... Tedd

 

Yes, from the factory, the VR is on the firewall in '68.

 

This is a CSM original. The reproductions can, and are often, poor or mediocre. The original paperback edition is what you want. Don't bother w/ a digital version. It might seem pricey, look around, maybe you'll find one elsewhere. This is your bible.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Oldsmo...gAAOSwOKVZ1SRQ

 

Yes, 68 has external regulator on the firewall

 

[QUOTE=Greg Rogers;1295492]Welcome Tony, You can take it to a AutoZone or the like and have them check charging system. I think they will do it for free in the lot as you wait. Lets see some pics of your 68![/QUOTE

Thanks Greg. Turns out that the battery was bad. Seems simple but it looked brand new not a piece of dirt nowhere..

 

Thanks folks I really appreciate all of your replies. This my first classic so I'm learning. Will send photos when I figure out how :-)

 

Batteries cost more than ever, barely have a warranty, and don't last. Not my idea of a good time.

 

Batteries are hit and miss, they can look good from the outside and cells short on the inside. Assuming you got it going with your post.