22Re total power loss after start up

Boomtacoma01

Tommy want wingy..
I have been having this intermittent problem on my 85 truck. The truck runs fine after statring, then (usually going down the highway and in the most inopportune place like Houston rush hour traffic) the truck dies completely. The voltmeter shows a higher charge on the dash guage when running. I have checked all the grounds, replaced power wires to the main fuse box and all the usual suspects. I dont have any extra electrical add-ons wired to the electrical system, though it is planned in the future. I want this figured out before I do so.

The strange thing is once I jump off the truck with a battery pack or booster cables, It runs fine and no more probs.

What do I need to concentrate my troubleshooting on? The positive terminal has a little slack in it on the battery. Its not between the battery clamp and terminal but the terminal itself is loose ( about 1/16th of an inch play or so)

On my list to do is have the alternator checked for proper charging and the battery itself. Is there another place I should check for parasitic drain? Would that cause the truck to shut down completely like I have explained?

Any input is appreciated
 

AlienXtx

Nignog
Fix that loose connection first off, then like you said, have all the other stuff tested. For it to completely shut down like that sounds like maybe the battery ain't getting a good charge. If that don't work ill sell you a 22r (minus the intake etc.) For $200.:)
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
Well is the battery dead? Or is it a power to the coil problem? If it dies for no reason then its not really the battery, more likely the alternator or power to the coil. The fact that it cranks back up without issue leads me to think its more ignition than battery or alternator.
 

yotarob

Kiss My IFS
To me this problem does not add up for several reasons.

If the battery post itself is loose then you could have a bad connection inside the battery, but that does not explain why it would die. The truck should be able to run off the alternator with out the battery hooked up once it is running
The loose battery post could explain why it would not re-start once it dies
If it was a bad connection or wiring to the coil or distributor then jumping it off would not work

I vote you start by swapping in a different known good battery and see if the problem persist.
 

Boomtacoma01

Tommy want wingy..
This is why I am kinda stumped. I going to get the batt and alt check out and go from there. The batt wanst dead the time before last when it happened. It still had around 10 volts on it. Its just annoying as shit when it happens.
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
Well 10 volts really isn't enough to kick it over.. could just be something that simple. Makes me think the alternator might be taking a shit too though.
 

Boomtacoma01

Tommy want wingy..
Tru but 10V should be enough to turn on the dash lights and radio....I think?

Davez Offroad has a 120Amp alt that is for a 22RE. Prob just going to get that one in the near future.
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
Tru but 10V should be enough to turn on the dash lights and radio....I think?

Davez Offroad has a 120Amp alt that is for a 22RE. Prob just going to get that one in the near future.

True.. that it should. I didn't realize you didn't have anything.. I thought it just wouldn't crank.
 

Boomtacoma01

Tommy want wingy..
When the engine stops....No juice at all. It wont turn over..

I probably should go through everything from the battery, alt, coil, distributor, wires. Maybe its something simple or maybe its not so simple.
 

TacoXpo

HOAX DENIER
What was your voltage when the truck was running - it should be higher - that's the alternator working! :D

I say bad battery.
 

balakay

BabyMax
Had similar problems with my wife's Mustang. A bad alternator ruined the battery, then the alternator dies and the thing would just stop randomly.

Same thing happened with my sister's Mustang the day before we traded it in.
 

SamSter0077

Frack me..
This is why I am kinda stumped. I going to get the batt and alt check out and go from there. The batt wanst dead the time before last when it happened. It still had around 10 volts on it. Its just annoying as shit when it happens.

is it a Lead Acid battery, or AGM?

What was your voltage when the truck was running - it should be higher - that's the alternator working! :D

I say bad battery.

x2
 

Boomtacoma01

Tommy want wingy..
I havent checked it while it was running. It is on the list to do though
 
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