Guys, as I've trouble shot my own starting issues over the past years, I've tested or replaced just about everything related to starting the car. I talked to MSD tech the other day regarding my "possible" MSD 6a issues, and he pointed to the electrical system as a whole. He said countless older cars (due to wear and tear) have sub-par wiring, and he recommended a BIG 3 upgrade. He'd said especially hot start issues, and slow/lagging starter issues.

For those unaware, the BIG 3 is/are:
Battery to Ground/chassis
Engine to Ground/chassis
Battery to Alternator

I had been planning this anyway, due to a possible stereo system upgrade, but now it's a no-brainer and will be done ASAP.

FWIW, a starting problem could certainly be one of a thousand other issues too, but for as long as I've been reading and posting about starting issues, no one that I've seen has pointed to the electrical system as a whole, but rather individual problem areas. Food for thought when you trouble shoot.

 

I agree.... wiring, especially on the ground side, are often the most overlooked area with any electrical problem.

 

Amen, Abubaca! And just to add, many times the battery to block cable and even the positive battery cable will ohm ok when tested by an ohmmeter, just to have the volts split apart under load. I had a very wise mechanic show me that on my very own car.

 

Went through this with a buddy's Camaro recently. He finally went so far as to replace the starter which helped due to the stud in the solenoid being loose in the solenoid body. I also upgraded the car with the Big 3 and this helped but the new starter still dragged in my opinion. Problem was finally solved when the 4 month old Optima battery was checked and found to have been cooked by one of those chargers used to maintain the Battery Tenders. Voltage would drop like a rock when tested. Replaced battery along with items mentioned and the starter spins over like mad with quick and easy starts. Just bump the key and she goes. Also made him ditch the battery charger.

 

i always custom make and add two or three negative cables to my vehicle,s one from frame to engine, engine to body and another from engine to battery, along with the stock one

you can buy the flat round hole style copper crimp on cable ends from auto zone for a couple bucks to make cables to attach to the engine and body

too much ground is impossible

just the one from the engine to the battery is hardly ever enough

dimmer than normal lights

weaker than normal spark

lower than normal charging

things not running right

common issues

being able to just bump the igntion key very quickly and it start right up every time is awesome

thats how i make all my vehicles act with just a little elbow grease



good luck

 

Bringing this back! Very good points. As stated previously it is important to have a nice battery to engine block ground as well as the battery to frame and engine to frame grounds.


I am having a tough time trying to make a solid alternator charging lead (alternator to battery positive) because of the fusible links and fuse in line with that mess....any ideas out there?