Strange Electrical Glitch.

[mj_duell]

Hi All,
I went for a little ride last night here in Upstate NY. I have not had any issue with my Cobra as far as elecrtical problems up until now. I had been driving around the back roads going through the entire rev range and enjoying the night air when something happened. As I approached a stop sign the engine stalled. No problem, been there before (carb still needs some work). However, this time when I turned the key to start her up the engine turned very slow, yet the head lights where bright and the fan was running at its regular speed. I had checked the volt meter a few minutes before and I was charging just fine (14 volts), now it showed 10 volts. I checked the temp (190) Needless to say I had to wait for a few short minutes before the first interested party wanted to stop and help (and talk and talk and talk about the Cobra). I got a jump and managed to get it started up. I noticed that the volt meter now showed 12 volts while idling. I got it home and left it in the garage for an hour when I went in to get some food. When I came out I decided to try and fire her up again. With a single twist of the key she turned and fired as normal. I am worried that this may happen again. I have checked all of the wiring connections and they are fine. It has been suggested to me that I may have my timing advance set to high and when she heats up enough it may effect starting. Alos that the starter may have heated up because it is so close to the engine. Any Ideas?



--Mike

[trularin]

My first reaction would be:

1. your have a questionable ground from the battery to the engine/starter.
2. The starter has a thermal problem and draws heavy current when hot.
3. you have a thermal problem and the charging circuit degrades as the temperature goes up, pulling down the battery.
4. The battery is past it's usefullness.

Just my $0.02

[Michael C Henry]

It could be any connection. We've had members that had the connection on the main battery cable be an intermintent cale to cable end connection. The crimp of the metal cable end to the cable was done poorly.just one cable end.rember it is a circuit (circle)

[cobra427mnsi]

I just went through a similar problem. Recently, converted from the old Ford electronic ignition to an MSD 6AL ignition and MSD distributor. I also changed over to the alternator with the internal regulator. I did all this to clean up the firewall. Got rid of ballast resistor, voltage regulator and ignition module and alot of wires.
Anyway, after all that work, I noticed that the voltmeter showed 14 volts sometimes and around 10 volts other times. It was hit and miss. Very frustrating. This happened for about two weeks or so. Then, finally, no charge at all, a steady 10 volts.

I replaced the brand new alternator (still under warranty) and have had a steady 14 volts since. No problems for a week now.

So, from my experience, I'll bet it is your alternator going bad or at least the voltage regulator.

Paul