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Engine sputters and dies when the lights are on
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Author:  '64 Dart [ Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:46 am ]
Post subject:  Engine sputters and dies when the lights are on

Good Day All

While the motor I'm working on is NOT a /6, it is an older MOPAR (1968).
The problem is that when I turn on the lights the motor idle drops to the point where it will stall.
I plan on cleaning all the bulkhead connectors, but is there any other problematic area?
The car in question is a 1968 Superbee w/stoked 383 and 6 pack.
As an aside, the idle solenoid is not hooked up electronically. Does any one out ther know how these are to be wired?

Thanks to all who respond...............

Author:  Sam Powell [ Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:41 am ]
Post subject: 

You are absolutely on the right track. Your problem is most likely right there in the bulkhead connectors. The connectors themselves get corrosion between the wire and the metal spade crimp. If you have the time, and locate the hardware, clip off the old connectors, strip the wire back, and crimp on new ones. Measure your voltage drop between the batt voltage on the alternator, and the high side of the ballast resister. It should show very little if any voltage drop. More than 1/2 volt is a sign of significant resistance in your wiring somewhere. I replaced all the wiring in my car.

The problem with the Mopar setup is that everything is routed through the ameter, and that can be a problem too. Those old ameters get high resistance in them, and they will cause problems. What many guys do is run a shunt directly from the alternator batt terminal to the battery. This will leave your ameter not reading correctly. The solution there is to install a volt meter that tells you what you really need to know anyway, which is how effective your charging circuit is working. If the system voltage drops down and stays much below 13.5, you are in trouble, and your battery will eventually lose it's charge. If it goes down as low as 11 volts, you know you are in trouble, and should start looking for it's source.

Author:  dakight [ Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:23 am ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
As an aside, the idle solenoid is not hooked up electronically. Does any one out ther know how these are to be wired?
The idle solenoid is operated by ignition switched 12v. When the ignition is turned on the solenoid energizes to hold the throttle at it's proper idle position. When the ignition is turned off the solenoid collapses to allow the throttle plates to close completely so that run-on or "deiseling" is eliminated.

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