<VV> frustrating weekend

[Richard.Gaffney at gulfstream.com]

Chris, have you check with an ammeter to see the current draw? There are
units you stick against the main battery wires to read the amps flowing
thru them. I would expect 350-400 amps initially, decreasing to about 250
when the cranking was well established. A starter (old style) draws about
55 amps in free air, no load. The initial current inrush is higher. You can
check your ground cable by attaching a jumper cable between the negative
terminal at the battery cable and the engine block. Another test is using a
voltmeter to read across connections. For instance, check the battery
voltage at the battery posts. Then leave one lead on the negative post and
check at the positive battery terminal while cranking. If that is good,
switch the ground lead to the ground terminal, then to the engine, and so
on until you have checked voltage and ground is available (making a
complete circuit) everywhere. It sounds like you may be carrying only
enough amps to spin with a very light load. The point of resistance will be
hot!
A second question is have you tried turning the engine with the plugs in
with a socket wrench? (Ignition off, coil wire disconnected). You would be
able to feel every cylinder's compression and release. It is probably under
40 foot pounds of torque to move it at a reasonable speed.

Rick Gaffney
65 Corsa 140/4