Alternator?

[Elvis]

OK, here's the problem. Although I live in Texas I really don't use the a/c often because it is only a 5 minute drive to work so it hardly pays. Well, the last couple of times I used the a/c everything was fine for about 10 minutes and then the engine just died. Last night it happened again and resulted in a $70 tow truck charge because I killed the battery trying to get it going but it would just not fire. I've had the car - a '67 coupe with a 302 - for about 10 years and probably the only thing that I have not swapped out is the alternator. My thought is that the alternator may be failing and when it can't handle the extra load with the a/c on, it eventually kills the engine. Does that make sense? Thanks for any assistance. E.

[rwhite65]

Makes since to me. I just did it to mine the other day with my big nice electric fan. Part of my problem is I let my car sit too much and the other part was I wired the fan a certain way on purpose, which is even harder on the system...and I even upgraded the alternator.

What exactly was your question though?
Ryan

[Elvis]

I think that I was asking if a weak alternator could be the cause of the engine dieing about 10 minutes after turning on the a/c because the alternator cannot handle the extra load. I put a new battery in last night and the engine runs great but I don't want to use the a/c again in case the problem recurs. Should I change out the alternator? E.

[rwhite65]

probably a good idea to change it, or u can have urs beefed up.
Ryan

[Rev]

AutoZone will test it for free. I think they'll even do it in the car without having to remove it if the car is running OK with the battery charged. They'll do the same for batteries. I always remove mine and take them in though. I'm usually 90% sure what's wrong , so that's why I do that.

Rev

[Elvis]

OK, actually now it appears to be an ignition problem. It started today and ran fine, without a/c, but then died after about 10 minutes and would not fire. Years ago I had a similar problem with it and it turned out that the ignition wire at the ignition switch was frayed. When it heated up the engine just quit. So, this weekend I'll try to track it down. I also ordered a new Pertronix module in case that is the problem. I probably should have a spare one anyway. E.

[Elvis]

Well, I am totally confused now. While messing around with the ignition switch behind the dash I managed to pull loose a wire that runs from the ignition switch to a fitting that splits into two purple wires so nothing happened when I turned the ignition key. I finally figured out what I had done and reconnected that wire. Still nothing when I turn the key - no click, nothing. The battery is new and good, the starter is new. I will change the alternator but I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that nothing happens when I turn the key. I changed the little relay box that connects to the pole at the back of the ignition switch. No change. I know that power is getting to the ignition switch because I have seen some arcing when I got the back of the ignition switch in contact with the dash. When I turn the key to start the engine the light on my console that shows what gear you are in dims so something is happening. Could it be the ignition switch itself? What am I missing? HELP!!! E.

[Gearhead999]

Yes could be the ignition switch. Test the wires at the solenoid to see if the switch is sending power to it. Use a test light. If you're getting nothing at the solenoid, either the switch or wire is bad.