Topic: Killed a 'Lectrical Gremlin!!!
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Hey all,
For the past few years, I kept on thinking that my electrical gremlin that would drain my battery on some days and then some days not was impossible to find. Voltmeter would show no drain on the battery, but then, several days later my batter would go dead.
Well, after going to the Corvette for Chips show at the beginning of this month, my windows would barely go up and down. After getting home, I traced all the wiring up to the fuse block and everything looked fine. Pulled out the silver circuit breaker from the fuse panel and it had some heavy oxidation on it. Well I broke that stinker open just to find out that the inside of the silver can was completely filled with powdered rust.
I popped in a new circuit breaker, started the car and the glass now rolls up n down quicker than ever!!
And after sitting fer 2 weeks, this is the first time she held a charge for so long without the battery tender - going to leave it that way to see if the charge continues to hold.
And after sitting fer 2 weeks, this is the first time she held a charge for so long without the battery tender - going to leave it that way to see if the charge continues to hold.Don't know how she would drain the battery with the ignition off since the windows run on keyed power, but it seems to have done something for the better...
Happy holiday season to all!!
Paul
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Power may be present at the circuit breaker at all times...depends on how the circuit is wired/designed. A corroded cb will definitely make the winders go slow, and the rust inside the cb, if it is powered at all times, can create a drain due to electricity running thru the rust...but...without the key on, the circuit really shouldn't have a path to complete...
And, you know....that thing ain't gonna sit forever without drainin the batt down, unless you disconnect it....
And, you know....that thing ain't gonna sit forever without drainin the batt down, unless you disconnect it....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Good info guys. Who'da thunk?
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Way to go, Paul! It's really satisfying to find and repair a problem like that!
Barry
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Parts houses will usually carry them. Just pop yours out and see what the rating is. I've got several in my tool box here...20-30 amps.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Another Gremlin bites the dust. The C3VR gang is on the case!!!!
Dan Good Information for all !!
Dan
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
79 calls for 12V/30A
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
That be one o dem seldom replaced until sumfin breaks unit. (Until Now) Just fer kicks and giggles I think mine is gonna be going by the wayside and pop a new un in ober da winter!
Thank ye Mr. Paul!!!Tuxblacray 2009-12-02 23:21:48
Thank ye Mr. Paul!!!
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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