My duster drives and will shut off sometimes. When I try to start it, it won't turn over, but all the lights work. I think the battery isn't getting a good charge, but the alternator and battery are good. We replaced the coil, and now we don't know what it could be. After I jump it and let it sit for a little I can drive it home. Anyone have any suggestions on what the problem could be?

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1969 Dodge Dart
1975 Plymouth Duster
1970 Plymouth Valiant

If the battery is about 3 years old it could be just about done for, or you might need to clean the connecters ground (-) & positive (+).

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Your signature says '69 Dart, but you say duster above...What year Duster?

-D.Idiot

The battery is new and we had it tested and its fine. It's 1975 duster. Another new project.

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1969 Dodge Dart
1975 Plymouth Duster
1970 Plymouth Valiant

Shutting off and not turning over may be two different problems that are rearing their head at the same time.

Or...

- Check the bulkhead connectors. Lots of problems can begin with corroded bulkhead connectors.

Also:

- If it won't crank, but your lights stay brightly lit, then your problem is very likely in the starter circuit or starter, not the battery.

- Shutting off while driving can be many things. Bad coil. Bad ignition controller. Bad pickup coil in distributor. Flaky resistor on firewall.

Ok thank you.

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1969 Dodge Dart
1975 Plymouth Duster
1970 Plymouth Valiant

You need a voltmeter (Digital Volt Ohm Meter- DVOM) Get one for $20 at radioshack, harbor freight etc. Now measure the voltage across the battery terminals. A fully charged battery should read 12.6V at room temps. With the engine running it should be about 13.5-14.2V. Some less with lights on at hot idle, but it should go back up when you give it gas. If it stays under 12.6 then the alternator ain't charging.

Yes, bad connections cause lots of problems on old mopars- the bulkhead is prime target, but battery cables (at battery, relay & engine) should be checked, wirebrushed clean & resecured.

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63 Valiant Wagon
225 - 4 bbl

The battery is good and the alternator is charging. That was the first thing we check. I'm going to replace some of the connectors that look really bad. Thanks for the advice

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1969 Dodge Dart
1975 Plymouth Duster
1970 Plymouth Valiant

Tighten and clean the terminals on the battery cables, and check the continuity of the battery cable. In fact, try bypassing the battery cables (if you can) entirely. SOMetimes battery cables fail internally and will support a light load (dash and interior lights) but won't support a heavy load like cranking.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.