A few nights ago I was driving my 1974 260Z home and my lights started to dim, windshield wipers started to slow, and my engine began to choke. At first I thought it was just my battery. So I had my battery jumped and it wouldn't hold a charge.

I automatically assumed it was my alternator after checking all my fuses. I replaced the alternator and charged my battery. I was able to drive it for about 45mins. I went home, woke up the next morning, checked the belts and such, and drove it around the block to make sure all was going smoothly. It seemed okay.

Once I turned the car off and went back to start it up again it wouldn't start. Any help or advice anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated. If there is any information I left out please let me know!

Thanks in advance!

-Joseph

Make sure that your voltage regulator is working. Your 260 should have an external regulator unless someone has switched it to an internally regulated alternator.

You can probably have it checked at an auto parts store (take the new alternator in with it to confirm it's not damaged) or measure voltage at the battery while the engine is running.

I'm guessing the alternator or voltage regulator was bad, so it/they let your battery drain to nothing, which damaged it.

If your system voltage is around 14.5V with the engine running, then the regulator and alternator are doing their job.

I had a similar issue this past summer. It turned out to be a broken connector under the dash on the passenger side. If you have been working under the dash it may serve you well to check all those rubber boots for solid connections, especially the white with red stripe wires that run from the fuse block.

John

I replaced my voltage regulator and ran a charging system test and battery test, everything came out alright and seems to be functioning...for now. I'll test it a bit more when I get home tonight and make sure it's still runnin' strong.

Thanks again everyone! I really do appreciate your help!

-Joseph