[SamuelWilson]

Good afternoon,

Just wondering if I am overlooking something trying to fire up the 56 Caddy after six months of sitting. Here's what I've done in order:

- In October she went in to the garage for the Canadian winter, at that time I pulled the generator and had it rebuilt in shop (a bearing had worn out and worn into the armature slightly)

- In November gas topped up and car covered after generator replaced and adjusted with the belts (the car has A/C). Trickle charge to battery left on over the winter.

- In March, attempted to start the car and run the engine for a while since its been nice out 60-70 degrees farenheit. Had a few good turns but didn't fire up. Since then, I've tested battery (reading good), cleaned and retightened battery terminals and replaced an old quick battery turn-off switch.

The turn overs are begin and then there is a sudden loss of power, GEN and OIL lights dim and flicker, and turn over slows/reduces its intensity. Power windows and headlights work well. Spark plugs replaced last July. Cable that carries current from ignition coil to distributor replaced last summer as well.

Concerned that it may have something to do with the generator, and as i haven't started it since I had the part worked on, there's quite a few things confusing me here. How do I go about figuring out how to get the car back on the road? Its a nice day today time is of the essence!

I appreciate your help,

Sam Wilson | Kelowna, BC

 

[CaddyGas]

Check the volts before and while you crank it, and batt ground and power cable/wire. Try and jump start it, more power or the same?

 

[sawyer]

If you are testing with a volt meter and your getting a 12v reading that means nothing you have to load test the battery to get an accurate reading of battery condition also the generator has nothing to do with it starting. I'm pretty sure you simply have a dead battery.

 

[Jeff R]

Second the battery theory, or third it. Try to jump it, or just take the battery out of your other car and throw it in there. Has the battery been on a charger/maintainer?
Jeff

 

[SamuelWilson]

Thanks for the input gentlemen, here's a bit more progress

- 2 amp trickle charge through the last six months (2 year old battery)

- Ran on a worn out generator for 20 kilometers or about 12 miles give or take.

- Jump test with other car inconclusive and same issues persist

Should I pull the battery at this point? Would love to do the load test this afternoon and will advise.

Thanks again

Sam

 

[SamuelWilson]

Here we go

- Battery read a clean 12.x Volts prior, and 4.9 Volts > turning over. Time for a fresh battery?

Again, any help is appreciated!

Cheers

Sam

 

[sawyer]

One more thing you can do if you have another battery to actually put in the car and then see if that solves the problem. Sometimes if the battery you are trying to jump has a bad cell or other problem it still won't let it start. I feel like a battery will take care of your problem but I'd hate for you to buy one and that not be it that's why I suggested to try it with another battery before you buy a new one.

 

[Jeff R]

Yes. Battery transfer. Then check the cables at both ends--negative too.
Jeff

 

[CaddyGas]

CaddyGas agrees

 

[aussiejohn]

G'day,

Sounds to me like you have a bad earth lead ( or none at all! ) from the engine to the chassis. If you have one, check that you have a metal-to-metal connection at each end and that there is no paint hindering the electron flow.
I had this trouble with my GMC pickup when I first bought it, then noticed that there was no earth strap fitted. As soon as I fitted one, the starter cranked like crazy and the engine fired up immediately.

Hope this helps.

Regards from Down Under.

aussiejohn

 

[Lagonia]

With a well known, fresh battery attempt again. If it fails, disconnect the generator and try again. The rebuilt generator may have an issue where it shorts internally.

Oh, I just realized it is an older thread. Has this been resolved?