280z charging issue

[miktroytoys]

I have a 280Z I am the true second owner of this car, had some charging issue found the wiring harness had been either tampered with or rotted, and they resoddered in some areas. starts and runs fine. I replaced the alternator and regulator both (autozone) battery not charging correctly, when I pull the positive cable it runs eratic and surges but stays running.

I am at a lost, not sure if it is the wiring? what to check? Tested both the alternator and regulator both seem to be fine? Any suggestions or help finding a good harness with the fusible links? Thanks Trev.

[d240zx2]

Hi, Trev. The first thing you should to is acquire a Service Manual. That should provide you with the information you need to diagnose and reconcile your problem.

[Zed Head]

I have a 280Z I am the true second owner of this car, had some charging issue found the wiring harness had been either tampered with or rotted, and they resoddered in some areas. starts and runs fine. I replaced the alternator and regulator both (autozone) battery not charging correctly, when I pull the positive cable it runs eratic and surges but stays running.

I am at a lost, not sure if it is the wiring? what to check? Tested both the alternator and regulator both seem to be fine? Any suggestions or help finding a good harness with the fusible links? Thanks Trev.

So the problem is that the battery does not charge correctly? The old-style mechanical regulators are adjustable. Have you measured the voltage at the terminals with the engine at ~1500 - 2000 rpm, to see what the regulator is doing? Need more numbers to make better guesses...

[miktroytoys]

if i remember correctly the volts were showing 14, but I will check again, thanks for any guesses I am out of them.

[miktroytoys]

Thanks Frank I have one and has not helped. Woodlands is that east texas, have family in Midland.

[Zed Head]

if i remember correctly the volts were showing 14, but I will check again, thanks for any guesses I am out of them.

I hope you're not looking at the volt meter in the dash. Mine was off by several volts, as I've heard many are.

You should measure voltage at the battery with the engine at about 2500 rpm according to the FSM. The FSM for 1976 says 14.3 - 15.3 volts at 68 degrees F. It also recommends measuring amps but the procedure is a little more involved.

You still haven't really stated the problem. Does the battery go dead or does it just not charge? Could be different causes...

[miktroytoys]

I hope you're not looking at the volt meter in the dash. Mine was off by several volts, as I've heard many are.

You should measure voltage at the battery with the engine at about 2500 rpm according to the FSM. The FSM for 1976 says 14.3 - 15.3 volts at 68 degrees F. It also recommends measuring amps but the procedure is a little more involved.

You still haven't really stated the problem. Does the battery go dead or does it just not charge? Could be different causes...

It usually goes dead after a bit, not in one day over time. seems to run fine. I measured at the batter and was around 14

[midnight-z]

Mine did that my engine harness was molested and ground wire fell off to so I put a new duralast alter for $30.00 and volt reg for 15.00 on it would run again but soon after the harness would cause shorts and problems .

so I'm starting to fix the engine wiring with a new modern Fuse box and relays