Jack71

Well "Car won't stop Running"....

I just installed a new PowerMaster alternator using all of the existing wiring. The car started fine, but I couldn't turn it off when...

- turned off the key -- It ran on...
- cut the battery disconnect -- It ran on...

I finally pulled the coil wire and that shut her down.




[Modified by Jack71, 12:50 PM 7/4/2004]

foundvettelifeisgood

Jack71

The battery disconnect is the blade type and there was *no* connection. This really has me freaked out.

I'm was running on strong too, not sputtering. I thought of Stephen Kings "Christine"!!!

More...
The disconnect is in working order. The new alt is putting out more power than the original. Its a 100amp output at peek rpms. I think the additional amps may be causing some leak back through the MSD unit.

Has anybody tried installing an inline diode? If so where did you put it? A diode came with my MSD box but I'm not sure if I should put this on the brown wire off the alt or the red going to the MSD box.

MODERATOR
Can I use expletives in the first person like...
#### Me -or- I'm ####ed Probably not


[Modified by Jack71, 1:07 PM 7/4/2004]


[Modified by Jack71, 1:12 PM 7/4/2004]

stpman

Disconnecting the battery won't shut of the engine because the alt. is still powering the ignition. sounds like a wire crossed or the ignition switch isn't working right.

Steve

Jack71

What about completing the circuit and ground and blah blah????

Also, this must be related to the new alt I just put in. Ignition switch is new on the column. No wiring changes at all.

m and t's77

why did you change the ignition switch in the first place?

Jack71

The ignition switch on the column was changed a few months ago. I don't suspect the ignition switch to be faulty...

stpman

If you disconnect the battery on a car with a working charging system IT WILL NOT SHUT OFF. The battery is only a storage device, the Altenator supplies the power.
As long as the alt. is supplying power the engine with run (an old trick to test an alt.) you need to break the supply to the dist.

Did the ignition switch come loose?

Steve

Mako72

If memory serves me right (and it's been awhile since I installed my MSD ignition), doesn't MSD say to install the diode in the brown wire if run on occurs? Charles

Jack71

Thanks for the info stpman, damn -- I'm ashamed to admit I never knew that.

Mako72, Yes on that diode. It lists a few possible locations for it. The instructions are a little vague in the MSD installation guide. I sent them an email so hopefully they will respond on Tuesday after the holiday.

Its just a very eery feeling when you turn off the key and the engine doesn't stop.