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Shakedown Cruise - FAIL

JJRJR

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Well, the car died at an intersection during a shakedown cruise. Gary said the car just crapped out and that the battery is dead. Had to have it towed back to the shop. Brand new battery, brand new everything. Aftermarket voltmeter and the dash meter both show the system as charging, but battery died a couple weeks ago since we were just starting for short runs. Put on a charger and think it was brought up to full charge. Having battery checked now. Can't understand why a dead battery would make the car shut off? I thought once started, no battery needed to keep her running. Oh well.

Also, rebalanced the tires and Gary still feels a vibration at 50 mph and above. Gonna see if someone can check the driveshaft; maybe it's bent. It's the original. If not that, have to check the original axles I guess.
 

Roadcuda

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That sucks! You always hope you have everything right when you put it back together but i guess it's easy to overlook something. Just look at it as part of the rebuild process.
 

JJRJR

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Turns out battery had a bad cell, auto supply shop gave us a new one. Next step, balance the driveshaft.
 

challengergary

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Gotta say, it was kind of embarrassing standing behind the car waving traffic off while waiting for the tow truck. After I got the car back to the shop (thank God for AAA Plus), I pulled the battery and went to Bennett Auto Parts (where we bought the battery). Turns out it was bad. Just our luck. Got the new one in already and she fries right up now. Heading to a funeral with her this morning for Gus, the guy that built the engine. He passed away at just 44 years old last week.
 

challengergary

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Definitely need the drive shaft balanced. To quote the Beach Boys - She's got "Good, Good, Good, Good vibrations"
 

Basketcase

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challengergary said:
Got the new one in already and she fries right up now.quote]

that doesn't sound good...... :eek:
sorry about your engine guy. that's way to young.
 

John69RR

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At least it was an easy fix. Glad to hear you are back on the road. I agree with Dave that 44 is way too young.
 

Roadcuda

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Glad it was an easy fix. But it just goes to show that even brand new stuff can be no good from the get go!
 

JJRJR

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New battery died, car had to be towed again. All gauges say we are charging but it isn't. Makes no sense to me. We have a charging system issue now.
 

69hemibeep

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JJRJR said:
New battery died, car had to be towed again. All gauges say we are charging but it isn't. Makes no sense to me. We have a charging system issue now.
I can tell your getting aggravated so I willing to make a low ball offer to relieve your pain :jester:
 

george68hemirr

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I can tell your getting aggravated so I willing to make a low ball offer to relieve your pain

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:


it almost sounds like a dead short.......when you disconnect the battery do you see a spark??
 

4spd69RR

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Just having a dent in the drive shaft can throw off the balance and cause a vibration. I had drove my old runner down a rocky road several years ago, afterwards I had a vibration @ 45 mph. The vibration was coming from the rear; so I thought I had lost a rear tire balance weight. I checked none was missing and then check the tire pressure, alll was fine. I did not fine the problem until I had the car up on a lift at my buddy's garage. I must have kicked up a rock that put a quarter size dent in the drive shaft. After replacing the drive shaft vibration went away.
 

Basketcase

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be sure to get the second battery checked as well. just because it's a new part doesn't mean it's good off the shelf. The IH dealer I worked for handeled Delco Remy startrs and altornaters. We used to go thru several to find a good one.
Have you had the altornater and regulater checked? New paint, be sure all your grounds are clean. Are you running electronic ignition? might be the ECU box or it's ground.
 
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