67 Chrysler Newport Starting trouble (electrical)

Hi,

I bought a '67 Chrysler Newport two weeks ago in excellent running condition. 61k original miles. This is the 383ci V8 w/ the 2-barrel carb. The thing started perfectly every time.

It had two blown headlight bulbs and a blown tail light, so I replaced them all and they worked fine.

Now, today, I try to start the car, the starter clicks once, then the entire electrical system goes dead - the dome light, accessories, everything. Next time I turn they key to position 1, nothing at all happens (no dome light, no nothin'), so I try to jum-start it. I hook up the jumper cables, turn key to position 1, dome light comes on, then try to crank it, same thing: the starter clicks once then the whole system dies. I can repeat this.

I know this is an electrical problem since the same thing occurs when I turn they key to position 1, then turn on the headlights - they flick on then the whole system dies and I have to repeat. That, together with the fact that it has started like a charm perhaps two dozen times in the last two weeks makes me believe it's not a fuel line, distributor, carb or starter problem. But what kind of gremlin in the electrical system could cause the entire system to crash so hard and so suddenly?

Also of note: After I replaced the headlight and tail light bulbs, it started up just fine, and all of the lights worked. It probably isn't something that occurred while replacing bulbs.

Also of note: it appears that the battery IS discharged, since I have to hook it up to my other car even to get the electrical system to go on (before it dies).

One day it starts and runs fine, everything works, the next day, the electrical system just goes kaput.

Thanks in advance for your advice,

Andy Aha! At last a car from my generation!

This sounds very much like either dirty connections at the battery (very common) or possibly a bad battery. first thing I would do is disconnect both battery cables and clean both the clamp and post. I like to use a pocket knife and litteraly carve some o fthe metal from the inside of the clamp so I have a clean, shiny surface. Same on the battery post. Reconnect the terminals and it should start up. The key here is when you turn on the key and all the lights, accessories work, they are relatively low current and the dirty connection is still able to supply enough power. When you hit the starter, the high current disrupts what little power you are getting. The dirty connections are also providing resistance which causes the voltage regulator to shut down charging long before battery is fully charged.

If this condition has existed long, you may be faced with replacing the battery as well. Clean first and see how things work. this would also be a good time to tighten connections at the starter as well. Super-duper, thanks. There is some buildup on the battery posts and clamps. I'll clean them up and see if it helps. However, I did tighten the clamps down and the same behavior ensued. If I have to replace the battery, I wouldn't be too upset. The car was sitting in a garage in the Bronx for the last several years as its (original) owner's health failed. There's a good chance the battery is pretty old. And I'm cleaning or replacing all of the "easy" stuff - fuses, bulbs, belts, filters, etc. - in preparation for an NC inspection.


If it is just gunk on the battery posts, though, wouldn't it be odd that the car started right up so many times, without fail, then all of the sudden just goes?

Do you think there could be something wrong with the voltage regulator? If it had been sitting for that long I would "guess" it is the battery. Most are only good for about 3-5 years.

You could have it tested first, along with the rest of the charging system.

Take Care,

Greg A. andyman32 wrote:Super-duper, thanks. There is some buildup on the battery posts and clamps. I'll clean them up and see if it helps. However, I did tighten the clamps down and the same behavior ensued. If I have to replace the battery, I wouldn't be too upset. The car was sitting in a garage in the Bronx for the last several years as its (original) owner's health failed. There's a good chance the battery is pretty old. And I'm cleaning or replacing all of the "easy" stuff - fuses, bulbs, belts, filters, etc. - in preparation for an NC inspection.

If it is just gunk on the battery posts, though, wouldn't it be odd that the car started right up so many times, without fail, then all of the sudden just goes?

Do you think there could be something wrong with the voltage regulator?


It's not odd for a vehicle with dirty terminals to start sometimes and sometimes not. Very common. Clean the terminals first.

I don't think the regulator is bad at this point. Wait until you have cleaned terminals. Start car and run for a while (take it for a drive even) and then check voltage at Battery terminals (with all accessories and lights off). If it reads 13.7- 14 volts, I wouldn't worry about regulator. While you're at it, tighten the alternator belt. I used to make a ton of road service calls and fix issues like this at the side of the road with a pair of pliers and pocket knife. Don't underestimate the value of cleaning these terminals. You may still need to replace the battery but first things first. andyman32 wrote:Super-duper, thanks. There is some buildup on the battery posts and clamps. I'll clean them up and see if it helps. However, I did tighten the clamps down and the same behavior ensued. If I have to replace the battery, I wouldn't be too upset. The car was sitting in a garage in the Bronx for the last several years as its (original) owner's health failed. There's a good chance the battery is pretty old. And I'm cleaning or replacing all of the "easy" stuff - fuses, bulbs, belts, filters, etc. - in preparation for an NC inspection.

If it is just gunk on the battery posts, though, wouldn't it be odd that the car started right up so many times, without fail, then all of the sudden just goes?

Do you think there could be something wrong with the voltage regulator?


It's not odd for a vehicle with dirty terminals to start sometimes and sometimes not. Very common. Clean the terminals first.

I don't think the regulator is bad at this point. Wait until you have cleaned terminals. Start car and run for a while (take it for a drive even) and then check voltage at Battery terminals (with all accessories and lights off). If it reads 13.7- 14 volts, I wouldn't worry about regulator. While you're at it, tighten the alternator belt. I used to make a ton of road service calls and fix issues like this at the side of the road with a pair of pliers and pocket knife. Don't underestimate the value of cleaning these terminals. Wow. You guys were dead on! I cleaned off the terminals and posts really well with some sandpaper and it started right up! I've never had any problems starting from dirty posts. I did have trouble with a loose post, but in that case, the electrical system wouldn't do anything. That's why I thought it was weird that I got the dash lights and dome lights to come on but THEN it died. But, hey, it turns out you're right! Thanks a lot for the suggestion! The most obvious problem... sheesh!