zz's z28

i have an 87 iroc z 5.7 350.

Im having an issue with starting it.

after sitting overnight, it starts up immediately, no problem.

Usually, when driving it, my voltemeter gauge surges, and then reads low, around 8. My headlights surge in brightness aswell.

after parking the car, i have to wait a while or else when i try to start it, the starter cranks, then struggles. Sometimes im lucky, and it'll start. Other times it wont start. Like right now.

Im at a buddys house right now, and its sitting on the street, dead.

from what i can tell, the alternator is brand new. (i just bought the car recently)

The battery is brand new aswell, i bought it a month ago.

Any ideas as to whats going on? why this is happening?

Anything i can run through and check on the spot? i dont have a voltemeter handy.

THANKS FOR ANYHELP!

mecham84

iTrader: (1)

Since you replaced your alternator make sure the return wire in the back of the alternator is ok, and also check the wires going to battery. Also make sure the wires are away from the starter as well. I had similar problems with the car i just bought.

zz's z28

Thanks! what ended up being the main issue?

zz's z28

So i jump started it.

I took my good friends jeep, hooked up some jumper cables. Waited very little. And it started right up. GREAT. i mean, everything looked different. Interior lights were brigther than usual. Fuel pump seemed to prime quicker. and it idled better.

As soon as i pulled the cables, the idle dropped down. IMMEDIATELY.

Funny thing is. If im not being crazy, After i removed the cables from the "charger car" and then pulled the positive off of my car, THATS when the idle dropped down.

it was weird. Is this a sign?

mecham84

iTrader: (1)

Return wire from the alternator was falling out of the connector piece, and the previous owner chopped off the side battery terminals, and forgot to attach the alternator lead-pretty dumb, but easy fix. He couldn't figure out why it started but the battery kept dying.