1974 Chevy Monte Carlo charging problems

1974 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

WZRD285

MEMBER
1 POST

Electrical problem
1974 Chevy Monte Carlo V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

bout a month ago i bought i car 1974 monte carlo does not have stock engine but from wut the original owner told me. was that its a 350 from like a 97 chevy , well i first got the car and it had an alternator problem . before i bought the car he replaced it ran fine for a couple of weeks. until i needed a jump one day and ever since i had to jump the car anywere i went. the starter sound like it was sticking. so i tapped on it. and nothing removec it from car and seen it was broken from coil. replaced it and still had the problem took in alertnator it was no good replaced it and it ran fine for about 2 weeks now its happening again any help would be greatly appriciated thank you

Mar 9, 2009 at 12:14 PM

MERLIN2021

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
17,250 POSTS

OK a 97 motor in a 74? Is the thing computer controlled? Or is it set up with the old ignition and carb? Test for a battery drain like this.
https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/why_is_my_car_battery_dead_over_night.htm
and check alternator like this.
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_alternator.htm

Mar 9, 2009 at 12:19 PM

JDL

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
16,098 POSTS

Hello, I'd do the basic tests. Take a reading across the battery posts with digital multimeter, with everything turned off, note the reading. Take a second reading, engine running. The second reading should be higher than the first. A fully charged battery may show 12.6 volts. Engine running, I like to see at least 13.6,. The reading with the key in the crank position shouldn't drop more than two volts, that's a generic spec.

Mar 9, 2009 at 12:26 PM

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