[DML] Re: Battery condition

["dmcchaser" <dmcchaser@xxxxxxxx>]

Hmmm, interesting.  But with a Delorean, what isn't...
Let's see if I can help a little here.

 
> 1) I checked the voltage at blue/yellow wire on the big resistor and 
> it reads 9.5 volts. If I rev the motor so that the alternator 
> engages the voltage will jump to 11.5

"Big resistor"?  Are you talking about the ignition resistor on the
firewall?  Unfortunately my D is at home now hiding from the rain, so
I can't check the wire colors or measure voltage fo you.

 
> 2) The car will start then die several times before it will stay 
> running unless the alternator engages or I get it to engage by 
> slowly throttling the motor up. If I try to rev the motor quickly 
> without the alternator engaged it will abruptly die.

If the battery is capable of cranking the engine over for sevaral
repeated starting attempts it *should* be ok.  Just to make sure
though charge it and take the battery to a local auto parts store and
have it load tested. (assuming the personell know what they're doing)

> 
> 3) After the car runs for a while and I turn it off, if I 
> immediately crank the motor it cranks very quickly. However, if I 
> shut the motor down and turn on the headlights I can see the volt 
> meter sag slowly then if I crank the motor it will not stay running.

Weird

 
> 
> Could a low or dead battery cause my starting problems? I checked 
> the rest voltage of my battery (I recently charged it fully) and it 
> read 12.0 volts even.

Hmmm, this could be something.  At rest a fully charged 12v automotive
battery should read 12.6v.  It has 6 cells which have 2.1v apiece, if
memory serves.  Get that battery load tested and see what happens.

Matt
#2868







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