Mild build up SBC 350

[SScamino]

just because a battery is charged does not mean that it actually is. Battery's hold a surface charge, and when you go to start the engine it takes A LOT of power. So the battery goes back to its original dead self. It might be new but I've bought a couple of battery's in my day that where dead. Just go back and use the warranty on the battery, like the life time warranty. I haven't bought a battery ever for my car except one! haha. But thats besides the point. Other things to look for, did you put all the correct wires in the correct spots and tightened down tight enough? You should have a wire on the ignition termanl and two on the B-terminal. They will come lose very easily if not tight enough. The battery cables must be TIGHT. They just can't be half assed. These are some things to long into. Electricity is a b*tch... trust me.

 

[jae]

Yes, take the batery back. A lot of times those batteries on th eshelf have been there a LOOOOOONNNGGGGGG time. They're supposed to rotate the batteries out every few months or so, depending on the manufacturer. Some places will hit them from time to time with a charger to maintain them, but most won't and sometimes they hit them with high amperage which can kill one quick. When you go back to get a new one, check the date of manufacture - it'll either be on a sticker or heat-stamped / dot-printed on the cover.

Also ask them to do a load test on it, this basically mimics a starter load on to determine if it'll put out it's rated amperage. If they just do a voltage check, which they should anyway, and it's not 12.6V or within a minus tenth or two get another battery. If it's dusty / dirty, naw another battery. If they won't do a load test, get your money back & go somewhere else.

You can also do a resistance test on your wires but if they're old & ratty just replace them. Double check your connections. Also think about maybe getting a heat shield, depending on how close the headers come to the starter.

Keep us posted.

 

[anthonychacon80]

Success! I swapped out for a 3Hp Mini starter, cleaned my terminals and tightened the heck out of them. Now it turns and turns and turns.... without dying of the battery discharging.

NOW... about the turning and turning. I set the damper at 5degrees before TDC, dropped the distributor in, set the cap on with the pointer at #1 plug wire and tried to start it. I smell GAS and every now and then it gurbles some gas out the top fo the carb. Did I flood it trying to get the engine at TDC? Maybe it will start right up tonight....

I put my Timing light on #1 and #3 wires and turned it over several times and I get a LIGHT when the wire fires. So I know I have "ignition". Could I have gapped them wrong? I did 45 all around. Is that not enough? I am using an MSD HEI distributer.

 

[anthonychacon80]

Ok. so it was sprawing fuel because the distributer was 180. I fixed it, and it fired up
ITS ALLIIIIIVE!

But now the bettery is not charging, I dont think its the battery or the alternator, both are new. I dont think its the gauge either as it was working before all this. If there is a fault in the wire from the battery to the alternator than my Tach would not have worked when I ran the break in because the Tach was attached to the rear terminal.

What else could it be?

 

[anthonychacon80]

Ok, so still no charge. I changed the alternator. Even after charging battery and my meter saying it is at 100%. Does the negative side of the battery need to be at or near the Alternator? Right now I have it attached to the bracket holding the AC Compressor

 

[anthonychacon80]

Well. She is DONE.

 

[anthonychacon80]

 

[anthonychacon80]

Just swapped a Q-jet into the beast. My MPG went up 5 mpg on the free way. Sounds and drives better too than the Edelbrock IMO. It is harder to adjust, but after a couple weekends of fidling I think I got it!