<VV> New Voltage Problem

[N. Joseph Potts]

The thick-red-wire connector in the plug at the firewall (left side) is
burnt out/melted. Bypass or repair it.

Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org]On Behalf Of
goofyroo at excite.com
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2005 10:07 AM
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Cc: djtcz at comcast.net
Subject: RE: <VV> New Voltage Problem



It sounds as if we are working on similar problems.  Although, I do not have
the high voltage at the coil.  Just diminishing voltage at the fuse box as
RPM rises -- but only when outside temps are above 85F or so.  Eventually
the engine quits for lack of spark.  It will restart after a few minutes'
cooling.

I've been corresponding here and off-list with Dave, Matt, and Bob (Helt),
who've helped me narrow it down to the ignition, probably the wire between
the ignition switch and the coil.  (I have no resistance wire; just 12V
direct to the Dale HEI system.)

I hope the info below helps in your diagnosis, too.

Hi guys:

I thought I'd reply to you all with one message since I tried everything
you've suggested tonight and had success with one of the ideas.

I jumped from the alternator + output post all the way to the battery in the
trunk, going around the existing + cable. [EDIT: also jumped the engine
ground strap directly to the batt - post.] I was quite a sight rolling
around the neighborhood with jumper cables running down the body! But no
improvement in readings.

Then I switched the jumper to the alt FIELD spade terminal, wiring it
directly to the battery instead of the alt + output post. No change. (Good
try, Matt.)

Finally I just ran a direct wire from the alt + output post to the +
terminal of the ignition coil. Success! Voltage stabilized at 13.5 (even
with AC running) and now voltage rises with RPM. The relationship between
voltage and RPM used to be inverse once the heat set in.

I have the Dale HEI ignition wired directly at 12v, so there is no
resistance wire.

So now I wonder how to fix it? Suppose my ignition switch or wires up in the
dash need cleaning?

Y'all have been terrific to help with this. Thank you.

Michael