[DeTomaso] Electrical problem from Japan

[Rob Dumoulin]

The low voltage is one issue, but the click is another. There is a bad
connection in the starter circuit or his solenoid is giving out. If he has
the interior light on and tries to start the car, does the interior light go
out or stay the same when the click is heard?  If it goes out, the starter
is either zapping all the power the battery can provide or there is a short.
If it stays the same, the starter is not getting enough juice. I'd bet the
light stays the same and the starter is not kicking in. In that case, start
with cleaning all the wires going to the starter and solenoid.

On Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 10:27 AM, <MikeLDrew at aol.com> wrote:

> Hi guys,
>
> I've been helping a Japanese Pantera owner named Hiro sort out various
> problems with his Pantera.   Today he wrote to me:
>
> =====
>
>
> Actually it seems a few problems at my Pantera.
> After 1 hour night driving with Japanese traffic jam about 20 minutes,
> I waited a friend with keeping idles for 2 or 3 minutes.
> When I moved to another place, suddenly engine stalled and no restarted.
> Lighting at head or meters did work but not ignited even turned key.
> Just heard click sound from a relay.
>
> Next day, it worked without any special repair.
> I measured volt at battery, 11.5V.
> >From alternator, 9.7V at idling and 14V at racing to 4000rpm.
> Amp meter shows 0 at idling and less than 75, about 50??
> (my amp meter is from Hall for 100 amp alternator)
>
>
> After short break, I turned key again but not ignited again...
> I hit softly the starter sometimes and tried.  It worked.  I am not sure if
> the hitting starter made him got up or not.
>
> Alternator : from PMI 1 year ago
> Battery : optima red 1 year ago
> Starter : seems normal
>
>
> Do you have any advice to check?
>
> Regards,
> Hiro
>
> ========
>
> It sounds to me like a simple case of a bad one-wire alternator that fails
> to provide enough energy at low rpm.   9.7 volts at idle just isn't right.
> So my advice was to replace it with a properly engineered 90-100 amp
> three-wire alternator (and while he's at it, he might as well put a new
> mini-starter in as well).
>
> Do any of you have any other ideas worth exploring?   (We already covered
> the need to check for good ground, good electrical connections etc.).
>
> Since Hiro isn't on the forum, please 'reply all' so that he will get to
> see what you have to say.
>
> THANKS!
>
> Mike
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-- 
Rob DuMoulin
904.476.8744
rob at dumoulins.net