1975 Chevrolet Nova 75 project

Tiny
BUSH462
  • MEMBER
  • 1975 CHEVROLET NOVA
  • V8
  • RWD
  • MANUAL
  • 180,000 MILES
Just purchased this car for my sons project. 250 has been replaced with a 307. Have replaced battery twice in less than a week (under warranty thankfully. Had the alternator tested and it passed three times. I am wondering if there is a common culprit for draining the battery? Dome light is off, radio is gone and the headlights have been turned off after use. Any other power monsters in this car that I should start with instead of going through the whole harness?
Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 11:36 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Well hard telling what is wrong but put a test light between positive cable and post on battery. Test light should work. Then check to see if it is lit up if it is lthen you have a draw. Check glove box and trunk lights to make sure they aren't on. Then hood light. Then start pulling fuses one at a time. When the light goes out you have found the circuit to check for the draw. If it still stays on after that disconnect the main alternator wire as the diode bridge may be shot in alternator (assuming it is stock alternator) then also check wire harness in trunk as things can get smashed in there and short out harnesses. Also look under hood as engine has been replaced. Your kid can help throw him in the trunk for the trunklight make him do the work.
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
BUSH462
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  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the input. When you say "put a test light between positive cable and post on battery" you mean negative post correct? I am assuming cable to grounded will show the draw you are talking about?
As for the main alternator wire, are you describing the plug in wire, or the wire that is on a post with a retaining nut?
Thanks again for the input, I really appreciate it.
By the way, son will certainly do the trunk work!
Bush462
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
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  • 48,601 POSTS
Do positive post lot easier that way and as long as it doesn't hit anything like body or engine it will be ok. And the alternator should be the large wire
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
BUSH462
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks again, So positive cable to positive post. Large wire on alternator is diode bridge.
I will work it tomorrow in the day and see what I find.
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
One thing I forgot to mention is if you have SPIKEtv there are 2 hours of car shows on Sunday mornings from 9-11 est they cover 4 wheeling stuff as well as engine and truck and car. Everything is done right and I think you can get dvd's as well not sure about that as they switched their name. This is the name and youcan subscribe to it.
PowerBlock TV

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Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 4:59 PM

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