Guest chevy_dude97 Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 After about 30 min in night time traffic and a very high yet still in the normal rang temp gauge I decide to turn around and forgo the awesome carshow that awaited about 45 more minutes in bumper to bumper. I notice the horn is struggling to sound and the amps gauge is in the middle. I pull over to fill er up at the pump, I am then at a no start condition(dead batt) So I check under the hood(full service lol) I notice the batt is low on water so I fill er up as well, to no avail. I had to go to the garage next door and get a "jumper box". Fires right up and I drive her home head lights on and all. After stopping she fired right back up... then in the morning she fired right back up. Untill I drove her lights off for a stroll around the bases. I notice when getting back the horn is struggling again bringing me to the conclusion this may be intermittent. Where do you think I should start trouble shooting the batt, the generator, regulator? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 If the battery is 2 years or more old, I would replace it to start. Once a battery is run low on water and discharged, it's life is shortend considerably.Next, go around and check all the connections to the ammeter, generator, voltage regulator and wiring to the battery and starter solenoid. Look for frayed or defective wiring and bad grounds. Now with a new battery fully charged, start the engine and fast idle it for 5 minutes. While on a fast idle measure the battery voltage at the battery terminals and you should be seeing over 7 volts. If you are not seeing at least 7 volts shut off the engine. Connect a jumper from the Field or FLD terminal on the voltage regulator to a good ground. Restart the engine and if you see 7 volts or more, then replace the voltage regulator. If still do not see 7 volts or more, the generator is now suspect.Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.Joe, BCA 33493 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest chevy_dude97 Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 If the battery is 2 years or more old, I would replace it to start. Once a battery is run low on water and discharged, it's life is shortend considerably.Next, go around and check all the connections to the ammeter, generator, voltage regulator and wiring to the battery and starter solenoid. Look for frayed or defective wiring and bad grounds. Now with a new battery fully charged, start the engine and fast idle it for 5 minutes. While on a fast idle measure the battery voltage at the battery terminals and you should be seeing over 7 volts. If you are not seeing at least 7 volts shut off the engine. Connect a jumper from the Field or FLD terminal on the voltage regulator to a good ground. Restart the engine and if you see 7 volts or more, then replace the voltage regulator. If still do not see 7 volts or more, the generator is now suspect.Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.Joe, BCA 33493Thanks, this is what I suspected since the cathodes/anodes where dry they most likely will not charge. The other parts I checked were the ground connections, as that would also hinder charging. I will try the 7 volts across the battery check. As a side note how difficult is a generator rebuild? check for bad loops R2 the brushes maybe turn the armature if required? I would like to keep shipping costs low, hopefully I can find a place on island with the 6v batt in stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 Your Buick uses the long narrow battery, Type 2E I believe. I always found these at parts stores (they would order for me) or try a farm or tractor supply. Another option would be a 6 volt Optima.Joe, BCA 33493 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 When batteries get low on water they kind of "cook" themselves to death via the charging system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest chevy_dude97 Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 JPI; I am currently talking to an optima importer here. I haven't found anyone else with a 6v in stock or at least not gouging. (as shipping to HI is not an option) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critterpainter Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Napa 7248 is a commertial version of the battery you need and should be available even in HI as it is used in electric fork lifts and in some JD tractors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest chevy_dude97 Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Napa 7248 is a commertial version of the battery you need and should be available even in HI as it is used in electric fork lifts and in some JD tractors.Optima guy quoted me 140, napa quoted me higher. Not sure if a 6v optima is better or not for this type of charging system. Any thoughts?I also charged my batt and it would not go above 75% on the charger so it is definatly my first change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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