Need Help!

[Jon S]

Went to start the 1958. It cranked strong for 6 seconds and I released key. Tried to re-crank it and nothing. Opened door and no courtesy lights. Battery measures 12.5 volts with meter. Stumped.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Try cleaning the connectors and battery terminals.

Often what happens is if the connection is slightly weak, an arc will appear causing a bit of soot between the connector and the battery post resulting in contact to be lost suddenly.

[chrisntam]

I bet battery terminal is the issue as well.  Measure the voltage on the terminals (not the battery post).  As Eric said, clean the posts cable ends and try it again.  Be sure to report back!

I bought one of these at xmas this year, not sure if it will work with a generator though...

[Steve Passmore]

If you have a battery master switch fitted Jon check that out too. I have had two fail on different cars in the last few years.

[Jon S]

Thanks all. Despite appearing extremely clean, it was a battery connector.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

It takes very little corrosion, often which can't even be seen, to effect
current flow from the battery.  That's why after cleaning the battery terminal
post and the cable clamp, I put a light smear of dielectric silicone on both
before clamping things back together.  Plain old Vaseline works also.

A little trick I learned working in a garage back in the 60's when non sealed
batteries were used.

Mike

[Jon S]

Thanks - yes I did coat the terminals with dielectric grease (again).