While driving it randomly shuts off loses all power and then starts right back up

1977 CHEVROLET NOVA
120,000 MILES • 5.8L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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RYAN PAULSON
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  • 2 POSTS
I have the car listed above equipped with a shut off switch and the one wire alternator. when I'm driving it randomly shuts off loses all power and then starts right back up in a second or two without me doing anything like nothing happened and everything's fine. sometimes it won't start back up I'll have to pull over and keep trying it and trying it and a minute or two all sudden I'll have power and it'll start up. I also noticed that it does this if I hit a really big bump.
Apr 27, 2021 at 6:25 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

I would start by cleaning the battery cables real well. If they are dirty, it will cut power to the car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Check the junction block at the firewall by the master cylinder. Remove the center bolt and make sure there is no damage to the pins for the connector.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Roy
Apr 27, 2021 at 6:42 PM
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RYAN PAULSON
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Just to clarify this I'll be driving let's say 40 miles an hour and the car will just shut off and I'll still be coasting in a second or two seconds later it'll turn back on and be running and I won't have touched anything and I will still be coasting.
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Apr 27, 2021 at 11:09 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Correct.

Roy
Apr 28, 2021 at 3:09 AM
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