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garfield

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Periodically in the past. Whenever I left my car sitting for more than a few days, everytime I came back and tried to start it up, I always found the battery was dead. Each time I would check to see if I had left anything on by mistake that would be the cause of this, but each time I did this I found nothing. This problem only seems to occur in the 68 Camaro. What could be the cause of this?

[ 09-15-2003, 04:16 AM: Message edited by: garfield ]
 
I have the same problem with my '68. The solution for me was to disconnect the battery positive cable after each outing with the car. After looking for possible sources of current drain I found numerous problems in my wiring harnesses- loose connections, cut wires that were not capped off, missing parts of harnesses etc.

To make a long story short I am already in the process of replacing evey harness in the car. Hopefully this will cure any of the current drain so I can leave the battery connected!
 
i usually drive my 69 about once every few days, sometimes it will sit for about a week or so. i've gone through a few batteries and finally i just started leaving the trickle charger on the car every time i pull back into the garage. i know my stereo has a very slight usage for keeping station presets and i have an instrument panel mounted clock too. my electrical system is all in good working order, i think the battery just doesn't like to sit long without being recharged.
 
Here is a good way to actually locate the problem and fix it. Get a test light, disconnect your positive cable and hold the test light between the cable and battery. If there is any drain (which there has to be for the battery to die in a couple days), the light will come on. Have a friend help you and start pulling one fuse at a time until the light goes off (test light). Once you find the circuit with the problem you can repair it. My car can sit for weeks and the battery doesn't go dead. I have seen bad flashers cause this problem, also "disconnected" dome lights (thought to be disconnected but actually were shorting). It might take a little time to find the problem but, it will be worth the effort. Yes, stereo memory does require some current (very very little), if you have a cd changer, some of them use a bit of power if you leave the magazine installed.

Make sure you battery is holding a full charge to start with and that your charging system is doing it's job (car running you should have at least 14.4 volts). Fully charged battery should be around 12.5 - 13.0 volts. Make sure you have a good clean ground, from the battery to the frame or engine and from the engine to the frame. Most people overlook the ground as a problem. Just say to yourself "electrical problems are fun", LOL. They really aren't that bad, just be patient.
 
sounds like a bad voltage regulator or possibly dead battery cells imo.you can have your battery and alternator checked for free at any autozone or advance auto parts.older chevys usually have an external voltage regulator,so if its not your battery or alternator causing the problem suspect that.
baking soda amd water solution applied with a small wire brush and rinsed lwih the solution when clean,will clean the battery terminals and ground points nicely.a coat of spray "high tack"will prevent corrosion from returning for quite some time.
Good Luck!
Eric
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
For just over $16 you can go to your local Wal Mart and buy a "battery tender". It will keep the battery charged and maintained, it will also charge a very low battery (take a little time). I would suggest that over the one mentioned above. I use two of the Wal Mart type for my boat batteries, they work great and turn on and off automatically to keep the battery at full charge without over charging.
 
you would be suprised how many people wire their electric choke directly to +12 battery. a sure way to dischare a battery in days!

joe c
 
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