Cranking Voltage Drop Problem Fixed!

Anteek29

Anteek29

Well-known member
A month ago I wrote about a measured 2 volt drop in my '55 Vic under a very slow cranking condition. The Vic has a 6 volt system. Yes, I did check the health of the solenoid - it is good.

Today I decided to bite the bullet and redo ALL the electrical connections.
De-grease, clean, wire brush, file, tighten...make all surfaces pristine. I found a couple star lock washers; one that was apparently used to 'cut' through block paint for the positive ground connection! I do not favor the use of star tooth washers because I believe the limited aggregate tip contact area impedes proper current flow.

In summary: Wow, what a difference! The Vic spins over briskly with no hesitation now. :D
 
Anteek29 said:
A month ago I wrote about a measured 2 volt drop in my '55 Vic under a very slow cranking condition. The Vic has a 6 volt system. Yes, I did check the health of the solenoid - it is good.

Today I decided to bite the bullet and redo ALL the electrical connections.
De-grease, clean, wire brush, file, tighten...make all surfaces pristine. I found a couple star lock washers; one that was apparently used to 'cut' through block paint for the positive ground connection! I do not favor the use of star tooth washers because I believe the limited aggregate tip contact area impedes proper current flow.

In summary: Wow, what a difference! The Vic spins over briskly with no hesitation now. :D
Click to expand...
Think I mentioned that the prior owner had installed an 8 volt battery to deal with the problem instead of correcting it. :eek:
 
- JUST A FOR EVERYONE'S INFORMATION NOTE -​

DISCLAIMER - Not intended to start a food fight ... ;)

STAR WASHERS have a purpose, especially at car assembly to ensure circuit GRD through a fresh finish.

This shows the importance of conducting a VOLTAGE DROP TEST when electrical gremlins begin to appear.
 
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