I'm trying to get my Choke heater to work through the original wiring. The choke wire is getting just a tad below 12 volts with the key on, but when the engine is running the voltage is only about 2 volts. I tested my alternator at Oreilly AP and it passed. Fuse is good under the dash.

Car is an 86 berlinetta with a Vortec 383, mildly cammed, and Holley 670 combo. I've removed the ecm harness, but Ive maintained using the original wiring for the essential gauges, i.e., voltmeter, oil pressure, and temp.

The only other symptoms are the oil pressure gauge bounces around, and when all of the accessories are on at idle the the voltmeter reads about 8 volts.

Any help would be appreciated,

BB

 

It the choke heater relay intact? If it is, there should be no voltage at the choke heat element until the alternator is producing voltage.

 

I finally solved the issue. The relay I had been using for the choke heater was a cheaper "universal" relay. I work at Oreilly Auto Parts and cross referenced the more expensive BWD relay to a universal. After swapping in exactly what it calls for, the issue was solved. I'm getting 12v at the choke now. Always use quality parts!

BB