84 Cutlass Supreme Wiring

[gbodysupreme]

I have a 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 307 V8. The previous owner started noticing that the battery was draining overnight. It has been going on for almost 10 years. I did some engine work that involved removing the heads, and when I put it back together, the ignition was shorting out. It was cranking like the battery was almost dead. I checked the engine wiring and found nothing. I then pulled the entire dash out of the car, and noticed the pink wire leading from the ignition switch on top of the steering column was reading a short when checked with an ohmmeter. This is the only lead that I have on the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[xitabl442]

Did you check with switch unplugged? Possible worn switch?

 

[gbodysupreme]

Did you check with switch unplugged? Possible worn switch?

I did test it with the switch unplugged and still read a short. However, the bracket that holds the harness was reading a short when the harness was plugged in. Is that harness grounded to the bracket or is that my short?

 

[xitabl442]

I did test it with the switch unplugged and still read a short. However, the bracket that holds the harness was reading a short when the harness was plugged in. Is that harness grounded to the bracket or is that my short?

I doubt the harness is grounded on the bracket. I'll look at mine in the morning.

 

[88hurstolds]

A bad alternator diode will drain your battery overnight, very common problem... when's the last time the Alt was changed?

 

[gbodysupreme]

A bad alternator diode will drain your battery overnight, very common problem... when's the last time the Alt was changed?

Never. The car is completely original.

 

[88hurstolds]

Test the alt or replace it would be my plan of attack.
If it's original and the part number stamping on it ends in 65 I'm interested in buying it as a core.
Heck I'll send you a slightly used reman one for it in trade if you want.