bluegrassg8r

I have a 67 convertible that is a great car and will go to my son someday. I'm having a maddening electrical issue: I've gone through four batteries and now, the only way the car will start at all is with a jump. I removed the positive cable and it still ran great. I have a new solenoid and volt regulator, but I'm not a real savvy mechanic, more of an advanced beginner.
Any suggestions as to my next step would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks :-)

1slow67

Have your alternator checked.

MIL1ION

never ever disconnect a battery cable with the engine running

where is the power that the alt is making supposed to go ?
you'll screw up the alternator


it is designed to go to the battery so you don't ruin components

bluegrassg8r

Thanks, BA, I'll test it with a voltmeter right away.

JMD

With everything OFF.... disconnect the neg cable, when you re-attach is there a spark? (even a little one?)

Do you "always need a jump" even when you have JUST put in a new battery?

98% you have one of three problems... The answers to these questions will help narrow things down..

1. You have a short that is pulling your battery down.

2. You have a battery cable issue

3. You have a charging issue

a. Alternator
b. Voltage Regulator
c. Wires between the alternator and regulator

Oh,,, while it is "not recomended" to pull the battery cable off while the car is running, it ain't going to hurt anything to do so for a little while on an old car, (without a computer or complex electronics). Probably won't really hurt a new car either, but I probably would avoid testing this...

67t5ponycoupe

Could be a bad engine ground.

kalli

disconnecting the battery for short period of time while running is a valid test in my opinion on such old cars. at least we know his car is charging. it might overcharge but I rather believe what JMD suggests. something is emptying your battery. a short, a cable hooked up wrong.
A friend of mine had a positivie cable going to ground whenever he started the car. he replaced it 3 times because it was burned before he asked for help :-]

try what JMD suggests ad if you have a multimeter that measures amps, with everything off disconnect battery minus and measure amps inbetween that battery minus cable and battery minus pole on battery. the only thing that should pull electricity at this moment is your clock in a stock mustang. anything more that will be your problem.