Car won't start. Help!

[700rpm]

As mentioned earlier, I put a charge on the battery and tightened up the connections and it started. Although, I'm still showing zero amps on the ammeter when driving. I checked the voltage at the battery while running and it's all over the place. That's about as far as I got this weekend (was at the Big 3 Swap Meet).

I assume the generator should be putting out a fairly steady stream of energy? Bad ammeter?

More likely a bad cut out. You should not drive it if it is not charging. If the ammeter shows a discharge but no charge, it's working and telling you you aren't charging. Sometimes this can be caused by a cracked brush in the generator. Take a gander at that first, then try adjusting the brushes to increase your charging rate. I have also found that sometimes just moving the brushes wakes them up and they start to charge again. If that still doesn't work, I'd try a new cut out. Steve's suggestions are good too, as always.

Also, are you revving the engine and still getting no charge? If it's a replacement ammeter, they can get sticky, but a higher rev will usually loosen them. They might not show a charge at idle, depending on the setting of the brushes and the stickiness of the ammeter.

 

[COOTER]

It shows zero at both high idle and when i took it around the block. With lights on, -10.

 

[Popeye31]

This is true. However, he said that the battery tested at "6+" volts and the starter "wont turn". If the battery does truely have over 6 volts, the starter should turn... slowly, but it will turn.

1930 coupe has the correct troubleshooting advice.

the battery can show 6+ volts but once you put a load on it it will show a lower volt if the battery still needs charging or if its bad.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

As mentioned earlier, I put a charge on the battery and tightened up the connections and it started. Although, I'm still showing zero amps on the ammeter when driving. I checked the voltage at the battery while running and it's all over the place. That's about as far as I got this weekend (was at the Big 3 Swap Meet).

I assume the generator should be putting out a fairly steady stream of energy? Bad ammeter?

Are you using a digital meter? I'd ditch it and get a good analog meter. Take the voltage reading at fast idle on both sides of the cutout, and also the battery posts. All 3 reading should be within one or two tenths of a volt, like 6.4 to 6.5 or so. Then try the same thing with the lights on. Let us know what you find.

 

[COOTER]

When the rain had stopped for a few minutes yesterday, I replaced the cut-out and it started up and I'm getting a reading on the ammeter. But when I shut it down and tried to start it again, it wouldn't. Got to get a load tester this week and check the battery.
Between work and weather, this is taking forever.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

When the rain had stopped for a few minutes yesterday, I replaced the cut-out and it started up and I'm getting a reading on the ammeter. But when I shut it down and tried to start it again, it wouldn't. Got to get a load tester this week and check the battery.
Between work and weather, this is taking forever.

Put a 3 to 6 amp battery charger on the battery for at least 10 hours before trying to use the load checker. I use a volt meter and the starter as a load tester.

 

[COOTER]

Will do, thanks.

Update...
Load test shows "weak". Guess I have to change out the battery soon.

Thanks for all the help.