Classic/Antique Car Repair/Electrical problem.

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Expert: - 10/24/2008


Question
I am a student at the University of Mississippi. I drive a 1967 Mustang, she has a 289 with 302 heads and a pretty strong cam. The distributer is a Petronix. She had been running fine (as far as classic cars go) until I left the running lights on one night. The next morning, the battery was dead, so I used my jumpbox to start her up.  As I was driving down the highway to recharge the battery, she shut off with no warning and wouldn't start up for about 5 minutes.  This continued occuring about every minute until I made it back to a gas station and parked it.  Ever since it has been doing the same thing, only not nearly as often. Everytime I start her up I have to use the jumpbox. It seems like my battery isn't charging. I put a new alternator on her about a week ago. Any suggestions on what might be wrong?

Answer
Hi Trent:
Once a battery is completely drained, it sometime will develop a "Dead Cell". The fact that it cut off while driving, leads me to believe you have the ignition switch wire to the battery. It does sound like you have a bad ignition. So, if this is a maint-free battery, replace it. If it has a place for water, check it and add distilled or bottled water if it is low or dry. If this does not help, a new battery maybe needed.  

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Vern Bullock

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Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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Classy Transportation, LLC Limousine Service.

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All around the Internet

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I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

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I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

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