71 road runner 383, auto, loss of electrical power

[oilstrike]

I have checked for battery voltage, good ground, ballast resistor, starter connection, starter relay connection. After the battery cable is disconnected and re-connected power is restored enough to power the dome light, radio, just not enough to start the car. When I turn the key total power loss. Has anyone had this issue? Help!

Johnnie

 

[69Bee]

Bad battery

 

[road chicken]

I agree , Swap a battery in or have yours load tested and see. A lot of parts places will do this for free. The lead acid batteries we use have most of their capacity at a voltage of 12.0- 12.6 V. A marginal battery can show 12V but drop to 10.5V once a load is applied.

 

[oilstrike]

It was a bad new negative battery cable and the positive cable does not work for a big block (the guy that sold it to me advertised it as a big block cable). Bought it new from eBay...live and learn. The cable pulled out of the battery terminal lug. Stripped it, swedged it in the lug with a set screw. It works but I will have to replace it with a correct negative cable. Thanks for the input.

 

[oilstrike]

I don't know how to apply the "thank you" tag so...thank you both.