Sudden electrical problem

[ZwolleY]

:tapemouth My car has been running so well that I was out of my confort zone. Now I am back into it. When I went to start it after a stop at a store, it was dead, nothing. Turned the key a couple of times then it started but the amp needle was at mid point and not moving and all of the presets on the radio were gone, just like the battery had been disconnected. Drove it home with a frozen amp needle and killed it in the garage (safe zone). Started right up and after a bit the needle moved when I turned the lights on and when I reved it.

Recently cleaned the battery, generator about 2 years old, new points, plugs, condenser, coil, spark plug and coil wires. Several days ago I removed the clock and the wires are just hanging although this should not be a factor. Hah-the only thing not mentioned is the voltage regulator. Same one since I have owned the car, about 11 years. VR points stuck? I seem to remember that on a '76 610 wagon I had that this would happen but I can't remember the symptoms. Regulator or what? Thanks

[EScanlon]

Extreme possibility that the power wire to the clock could have come in contact with the ameter poles, but as I said, this would have been an extreme possibility.

Another possibility is as you mentioned, the voltage regulator.

You could get your battery, regulator and alternator checked at a good battery shop and they should be able to help pinpoint the problem. Another good place is M.B. Anderson on 99th Street in Vancouver.

Hope this helps.

Enrique Scanlon