anthonyc

Im working on a 71 Cutlass Supreme.350 originally a 2 bbl now 4.
The starter cranks slowly even with a new battery,the voltage seems to
move around while its running too, sometime its better and starts fairly quickly. Im thinking its got a problem with the charging system or a short somewhere due to the voltage going fom 12.5 to 14 volts, kind of randomly too.The bat.tester and the gauge show the bat. being good and the ALt charging . The reg is the original Delco how do I know if its going or is it the Alt.

anthonyc

Well I think im going to replace the voltage regulator. I'll try that and then the Alt. Im thinking the regulator though.

joe_padavano

Neither the alternator nor the regulator have anything to do with the cranking speed unless the battery is not charging. If the battery is properly charged and cranking speed is still slow, check the battery cables, starter brushes, or solenoid internal contacts. Also be sure the initial timing isn't too far advanced.

anthonyc

I should have been a little clearer in my description. The starter cranks slowly after the voltage get wierd and I turn it off. It seems to crank fine when I first start it before the voltage issue.

Lady72nRob71

Try replacing the regulator on the firewall with an electronic one from Napa or your local parts store (about 20 bucks). Those old mechanical ones can give erratic response like that and will fail eventually. The elect one looks the same but is 1/3 the weight of a mech one.

joe_padavano

Doesn't matter, the alternator and regulator have virtually no effect when cranking the starter. Only the battery, cables, and starter enter into the equation. Check your battery cables at both ends. A loose crimp on one of the end fittings or corrosion can cause an intermittent low voltage problem. Also check your starter solenoid. On some cars the threaded post on the solenoid is used as a junction block. If it's loose or corroded, expect problems. Finally, check the threaded post on the horn relay. I've had corrosion on those terminals that caused voltage problems.

anthonyc

I replaced the regulator and now I get a nice steady 13.79-13.85 volts with the multi meter rather than the dash gauge which isnt accurate. The cables seem ok,what i have it seems
is a hot start problem from the headers. Im going to try and sheild the starter a little ,I didnt think running for such a short time would give me that problem but it does.

BILL DEMMER

that voltage sounds a little low. is that at normal operating temperature or after a cold start? also, measure the voltage at full load(everything on that you can turn on) rev the engine to get the max voltage and note it here plz.

did you use a solid state replacement regulator?


bill

anthonyc

After a cold start I see it at 13.85 then it drops to 13.79 and stays there with just the lights on. I wll load it up good on Sat morning and see what happens. I used a Solid state reg from NAPA.

radioburningchrome

Check the battery cables for high resistance with an ohm meter.

I had an issue with the negative cable causing the same problem.

BILL DEMMER

13.85 is low for a cold start, you want it in the 14.5 range.


bill

anthonyc

What kind of resistance should I see on the cables? I checked the voltage at the starter and it reads the same as at the battery.

BILL DEMMER

there should be as close to 0.00 ohms as possible.


bill

radioburningchrome

Remove the cable from the car before you measure the resistance.

anthonyc

Got this car straightened out . I found the Dist weights to be all gummed up too, and not able to return to their resting spot .Loosened them up with some PB working them back and forth and the car started up much better.I guess it was trying to start with a bunch of advance.