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1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Lestrade
Novice
Jul 10, 2012, 10:42 AM
Post #1 of 16
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1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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In order to start it, I have to jump it, either with another car or my battery charger. Of course, I thought it was a bad battery, so I bought a new one. No help. You can hear it cranking when you turn the key.
Now I suspect either bad battery cables or bad starter.
Once it is started, it runs fine.
thanks for any suggestions, PL
(I bought this car in October 1973. 318 in^3)
(This post was edited by Lestrade on Jul 10, 2012, 10:48 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 10, 2012, 12:14 PM
Post #2 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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If this car starts with a jump, it can only be a bad battery or cable connection at the battery, assuming that is where you are attaching your cables.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Lestrade
Novice
Jul 10, 2012, 12:16 PM
Post #3 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Thanks, HT. I will replace the cables and let you (all) know.
PL
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 10, 2012, 12:17 PM
Post #4 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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I was referring to the connection at the battery, not the whole cable.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Lestrade
Novice
Jul 10, 2012, 12:18 PM
Post #5 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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I just had another thought. I bought one of Walmart's better batteries, and the one their guide suggested. BUT, perhaps it is the wrong starting amps for the 1974 model...?
Is there a site that has battery specs for the Challenger?
PL
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 10, 2012, 12:21 PM
Post #6 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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The spec calls for 350 CCA but I wouldn't be comfortable with less than 500 - 600
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Lestrade
Novice
Jul 10, 2012, 12:31 PM
Post #7 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Thanks very much, I will check.
PL
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Lestrade
Novice
Jul 10, 2012, 4:35 PM
Post #9 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Sorry, I was relying on memory and it is not what it used to be.
I can now be more exact since I just got back from trying to start it.
Without any jumping, when I turn the key the engine does not crank. It (the starter?) makes a kind of "raspberry" sound.
i.e. purse your lips and blow, sort of a rapid tapping, -- it sounds like (and excuse my ignorance here) the starter is not engaging.
The engine does not "turn over".
WITH battery charger attached, the engine cranks and starts rather easily.
Thanks for your patience and I hope this better description helps.
PL
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 11, 2012, 2:51 AM
Post #10 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Poking my nose in. This plain starts and runs WITH probably a strong battery charger. In that the battery is not up to par for this alone or weak connections right there.
Not here to bash any outlet for parts but I will say the super chain stores are NOT as apt to treat the stock of items like batteries as well and they don't like being bounced around or worse dropped.
CCA ratings: Old as dirt was to get a minimum of 100 CCA = Cold Cranking Amps rated battery more than the cubic inches of the engine. So a 318 Cubic Inch Engine by that old suggestion would want 400+ and as HT said a bit more even better.
Batteries are not necessarily charged to full charge when new - especially department stores, my opinion and experience with them.
This just isn't getting enough amps alone from battery or connections with what you just said,
T
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Lestrade
Novice
Jul 11, 2012, 7:48 AM
Post #11 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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I will disconnect the cables from battery, starter, and frame, clean everything, and get battery checked -- and will let you all know.
thanks for the comments, much appreciated.
PL
(This post was edited by Lestrade on Jul 11, 2012, 7:49 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 11, 2012, 7:56 AM
Post #12 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Charged up first and you really want a "load" test not just that volts show OK. Yes - make sure both battery posts and the horseshoe lead clamps are clean and can tighten up well. If those have been altered to newer non lead or temp ends that's a trouble spot and other metals don't seem to work as well as the old stuff - real lead and real copper low gauge (stronger,thicker) that some junk I've seen even on new cars!
Good luck,
Tom
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Lestrade
Novice
Jul 11, 2012, 4:52 PM
Post #13 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Victory!!
After thoroughly cleaning all points of contact for the ground wire, and having WallyWorld bless (and fully charge) the battery,
she started right up.
Sorry this was such a no-brainer that I bothered you with, but I *do* appreciate the feedback.
You guys provided useful tips. Additionally, you are a good sounding board.
It's amazing how our thinking can go off on tangents when we try to think alone.
I will enjoy staying a part of this group.
PL
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 11, 2012, 5:16 PM
Post #14 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Glad too hear you found the problem.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 11, 2012, 11:42 PM
Post #15 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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Great news.............
Tom
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 12, 2012, 5:04 AM
Post #16 of 16
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Re: 1974 Dodge Challenger starting problem
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BURNOUT TIME!!!
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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