My classic 67 Riviera has a power drain, and ive heard many tales, but i have returned here, the great alter of buick wisdom, to get the truth. SYMPTOMS: Car has trouble starting up, and when running, with lights on, the eventually dim. the kenwood cd player i put in dash (im considering going back to the original radio, got that too) flashes dead, then revives. I admit that the points most likely need to be replaced and may be my start up problem, but the motor seems to turns over, but doesnt seemt to get enough power to complete it. POSSIBLE CAUSES?: Voltage regulator, Alternator (brand new, kragen unkown amps) and Battery, Kicker amp, cable running from batter to amp/remote running from amp to radio. Of course i want to get her running ASAP :3gears: the road calls her. I do however plan on over hauling the motor as soon as Uncle Sam pays back the taxes they took from me o No: I checked kanter, and they dont seem to have in their catalog a voltage regulator for a 67 riviera. So if it does turn out to be a VR, any information on how to obtain one would be so kickass. Thanks! Noah 1967 Buick Riviera GS 96k Original Motor, soon to be overhauled (pics with chicks to soon follow :Brow:
Kenwood radio relation? Prior to the car dieing, due to lack of power, the cd radio flashes, then comes back. Then the car dies. With some negotiation, ie jumper cables. The car starts back fine. The issue is really hit and miss, it'll come, then it'll go... really pisses me off because when i get close to the cause, it goes away! :af:
You have to check your charging system, cables, all the basics. See what your putting out for volts and amps at idle and under load at rpm. Mine was doing the same thing, and it turned out the regulator would hic up now and then causing poor charging, and a really large draw at times. I had seen this before, but not randomly until mine.
so far so good... new battery and Voltage reg seems to have worked, although i have cut the amp completely out of the equasion, its now a nice coffee table! :Brow:
What kind of amps dos your alt put out??? I have the 108 amp upgrade alt listed for the 86 Firebird. Its a universal GM one though as I have to spin the back case to make it work on my car. But its only $60 with a lifetime warranty. anything bigger cost $150. But N E ways. I have plenty of juice with 108 amps. I got 1200watt amp and a 200watt CD stereo. I also run extra driving lights and radar.
Low Battery NOAH1967 I read all the extra load you have added to the electrical system. Everybody here has given you great advice. A battery with more capacity, higher output alternator, new battery cables and something I did not see so far, a capacitor for your amps. They are not cheap, but they stop the power hurt on your system. The capacitor is what the amps will run off. The battery will run all of the regular electronics. Check your local Best Buy, Circuit City or other auto stereo store. Good Luck.
thank you once again for all your generous advice. I have since the replacement of the battery, and the voltage regulator removed the amp from the equasion, some what like algebra, remove one part and the others will become evident. well so far so good, no troubles starting up and no troubles while running, the advice for the capasitor is greatly appreciated, i had thought that but not quite sure, not only that im a network engineer, not a electrical engineer, and i have a fear of electricity :error: yeah so that sucks. anyways im gonna get one, its like 100 bucks but if it fixes the problem im all for it.
