Hello all
I have 2 245's, a 1983 and a 1988. I drive the 83 that is really raged out but everything works. The 88 is the wifemobile. She reported that it was having problems starting, as in low battery. She needed to go on atrip this last weekend and i did not want her to drive with an "iffy" charging system. So she takes mine and I drive hers. I was kind of excited since the wifemobile is allways the best car in the family at any given time. I have been in the middle of an 134a retrofit that is not going great so it has no ac right now, but it sure looks and rides nicer than mine.
Well i jump in on my way to work and go to turn the radio on and it does not work. I can ride in an unairconditioned car just fine, but no radio just make me mad. well the engine does turn over slow in the morning but after running awhile it turns over fine. I cleaned the battery terminals and check the voltages. 14.23 when running and 12.3 when engine off. next morning will not turn over again. forgot to check voltages but went and got new battery.
After installing battery the radio worked again! I did not touch anything else. Can anyone tell me why? If the battery is low and not capable of a certain load, will it cut out the radio curcuit?
As allways thanks so much for your help.

Joe Scott

I have installed a new walmart battery. Will wait for status report from wife.
Thanks again.
Joe

I don't know how much power your radio draws, but your diagnostic steps were correct. Ie. voltage from alt okay but can't start in morning implies most likely battery not holding charge.

When your charging system is suspect, it is best not to run any accessories including radio,lights until problem solved.
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'80..245..M46...b21a..SU carb..

Have you checked the brushes on the alternator? The voltages you gave look good enough to be OK, but with too short (under 5mm) brushes you might get OK voltage but insufficient amperage.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

PS When my wifemobile began a similar pattern, I put in new brushes, cleaned terminals, etc. Still a slow morning crank, and then came "Honey, Dinner will be late cause I can't get it started here at work", phone calls. RATZ

The battery was an AutoZone bought by the PO with a 7 year guarantee, which is worthless to me as AZ does not transfer guarantees to another owner. It is a AutoZone size 47-D, what their specs call for.

I have two other daily drivers, and found that one was an AutoZone size 48-D. Just barely fit as it's a tad wider. Terminals in the right places. Many much more cranking power.

Problem solved, but I put in a eBay Volvo Voltmeter anyway. Did that on all three drivers.

Good Luck on yours.

Bob

:>)