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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Battery drain
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Question
Grandson has 67 Firebird w/ 400 engine. the battery will not hold charge. previously someone put a battery disconnect in the negative cable. I removed it but still have problem. Looking for suggestions as to what to look for. Have checked lights etc. have not pulled fuses to isolate.
Thanks Dave
The first thing to do is to have the battery load tested to be sure that it can hold a charge. Most auto parts store will do that for you. I have seen brand new batteries right off the shelf defective and not hold a charge. Then if the battery passes a load test look for a drain in the system. over the years I have found everything from a trunk light switch sticking to after market radios wired wrong. Once the battery passes a load test and the problem still exists, let me know and we will go from there.
Brad
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| Comment | Thanks for the tip by the way it is a new battery so will test it and then take a look for a drain. Using a vom meter digital and try to get a amp reading on it could help to identify what we might be looking for. Thanks again Dave | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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