Topic: HELP
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Hi all,
I am a first time vette buyer, not well informed as of yet but learning. Ever since I first received my 1974 Stingray L48 it has a problem every once in a while of being completely dead, turn the key and nothing, no power anywhere. I found a bad terminal end on the battery and that seems to work for a while. Yesterday I went to start it and nothing, no power even at the fuse block. Turn the ignition key and I don't even hear the electric fuel pump. ( I know, not original )
I've ordered the wiring diagram for the 74, but as of yet have not received it.
I need help, thanks.
Don
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Greensburg, 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...
This sounds like a ground problem if you are sure the battery is good.
Check your ground cable leed that runs from your battery through the bottom of the box to the crossmember. It may be in bad shape or be split open. If it is slit open replace it. The wires inside the sheathing may be in bad shape and only arking intermittenly.
Many times this portion goes undetected because it is under the car. It is exposed to the elements and to road conditions.
This is a quick and easy check that will help to begin some of the elimination process.Tuxblacray 2007-11-25 11:11:04
Check your ground cable leed that runs from your battery through the bottom of the box to the crossmember. It may be in bad shape or be split open. If it is slit open replace it. The wires inside the sheathing may be in bad shape and only arking intermittenly.
Many times this portion goes undetected because it is under the car. It is exposed to the elements and to road conditions.
This is a quick and easy check that will help to begin some of the elimination process.
Don,
Power drains are very common in C-3 Vettes. There are numerous previous threads on how to trace them.
The easiest way is to buy a battery terminal disconnect (green knob type) and install it on your negative terminal.
A "Battery Tender" is a great way to keep the battery up to par between uses.
Good luck,
Anthony

Moderator
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
With a name like "ohmslaw", I would think you should have no problem with electrical stuff!
just meesin wid ya!
A '74 wiring diagram is on it's way to ya, via e-mail.
If you're sure the batt. is hot, then you definitely have a connection issue, either in the hot side, or the ground side. Check the ground cable as Tux suggested first, then the cable from the chassis to the engine, by the pass. side engine mount. Next, check the pos + cable at the starter...it can work itself loose sometimes.
If the batt. is going dead after a few days...welcome to Corvette-land! A batt. disconnect is the way to go, along with the Battery Tender Anthony suggests. Most of us have both on our cars...

just meesin wid ya!

A '74 wiring diagram is on it's way to ya, via e-mail.

If you're sure the batt. is hot, then you definitely have a connection issue, either in the hot side, or the ground side. Check the ground cable as Tux suggested first, then the cable from the chassis to the engine, by the pass. side engine mount. Next, check the pos + cable at the starter...it can work itself loose sometimes.

If the batt. is going dead after a few days...welcome to Corvette-land! A batt. disconnect is the way to go, along with the Battery Tender Anthony suggests. Most of us have both on our cars...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"


Moderator
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
A trickle charger is not the same...too many amps. You need something that puts out less than .75 amps, or it will damage the battery over time.
A Battery Tender is made for storage maintenance only. Most Corvette vendors sell them, but you can also find them at some auto parts houses. I got mine at a "Batteries Plus" store.
It will SLOW charge the batt. up to 12v, then keep it charged as needed, without boiling the electrolyte. A regular charger, or even a trickle charger will boil it if left on on the time. Battery Tenders are designed to be left on over long periods of time, without any damage.
Click on image for link
THE PROBLEM: You try to start your vehicle after it's been
sitting for a few weeks or months, and your
battery is completely dead.
THE SOLUTION: The Battery Butler® Storage Charger!
The Battery Butler® Battery Storage Chargers are specifically designed
for the maintenance of batteries that are stored or only used periodically.
We offer 2 different version of this charger: #BBFC100 (12 volt) and #BBFC200 (6 volt).
These chargers will prevent the normal self-discharge of your battery,
while extending the life of rechargeable 6 or 12 volt batteries rated from 5 to 125 amp-hours,
by providing a minimum current, regulated output. Other types of chargers provide
a strong, rapid charge that tend to boil out liquids and decay electrodes.
With the Battery Butler® charger, once your battery has been fully charged,
it will automatically shut-off; then resume charging as your battery level drops.
Works on ALL wet cell, gel-cell or the new OPTIMA™ batteries.
Works on ALL years, ALL make & model car, truck or motorcycle batteries.
The Battery Butler® Battery Storage Chargers are specifically designed for long term use.
You can safely leave it connected to your battery for days, weeks,
months, even years!
Did you know that every week your battery will lose 4% of its charge
just by sitting (with no load)?
This is the one I have...
ClickAdams' Apple 2007-11-25 15:24:11
A Battery Tender is made for storage maintenance only. Most Corvette vendors sell them, but you can also find them at some auto parts houses. I got mine at a "Batteries Plus" store.
It will SLOW charge the batt. up to 12v, then keep it charged as needed, without boiling the electrolyte. A regular charger, or even a trickle charger will boil it if left on on the time. Battery Tenders are designed to be left on over long periods of time, without any damage.


THE PROBLEM: You try to start your vehicle after it's been
sitting for a few weeks or months, and your
battery is completely dead.
THE SOLUTION: The Battery Butler® Storage Charger!
The Battery Butler® Battery Storage Chargers are specifically designed
for the maintenance of batteries that are stored or only used periodically.
We offer 2 different version of this charger: #BBFC100 (12 volt) and #BBFC200 (6 volt).
These chargers will prevent the normal self-discharge of your battery,
while extending the life of rechargeable 6 or 12 volt batteries rated from 5 to 125 amp-hours,
by providing a minimum current, regulated output. Other types of chargers provide
a strong, rapid charge that tend to boil out liquids and decay electrodes.
With the Battery Butler® charger, once your battery has been fully charged,
it will automatically shut-off; then resume charging as your battery level drops.
Works on ALL wet cell, gel-cell or the new OPTIMA™ batteries.
Works on ALL years, ALL make & model car, truck or motorcycle batteries.
The Battery Butler® Battery Storage Chargers are specifically designed for long term use.
You can safely leave it connected to your battery for days, weeks,
months, even years!
Did you know that every week your battery will lose 4% of its charge
just by sitting (with no load)?
This is the one I have...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks Joel for the very detailed explanation. First year with a Vette and storage time is here
, so it's good to learn about this kind of stuff.


Greensburg, 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...
With a name like "ohmslaw", I would think you should have no problem with electrical stuff!
just meesin wid ya!
That is funny. I caught this too and wanted to comment on it but choose to wait and see if somebody else would post up some more "TECH" stuff. I might have know Uncle Jed would come through with both!
Either way it looks like your all set now!
just meesin wid ya!
That is funny. I caught this too and wanted to comment on it but choose to wait and see if somebody else would post up some more "TECH" stuff. I might have know Uncle Jed would come through with both!
Either way it looks like your all set now!

Former Member
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
I often find myself overcomplicating the troubleshooting process and not starting at the basics. I'm seriously not trying to be a smart ass, it's just that a I have some electronics background and a lot of times I forget to check the obvious things first. Like Tux said start with the battery and the charging system itself before you get too crazy with a probe.
Check the plug the gose into the top of the alternator. The red wire runing from the starter may be broken inside the plug. I had the same problem and that was my problem. You all right trouble shooting an electical problem is a hair puller for a first timer.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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