Your ignition does not require much power, so your alternator could still be
bad.
If you have, or can get, a Voltmeter, check your voltage at the battery with
the engine running. You should read between ~13.5 and 14.5 volts.
Actually with the newer sealed batteries, you SHOULD be closer to 14.5 volts
or they may not charge fully.
I would have both your Alternator and battery tested to know for sure.
Once your car is running, the alternator should provide plenty of power for
ALL the stock electricals, even with a dead battery.
FWIW
Daryl
From: "Tom Ross" <rossto@yahoo.com>
Subject: Charging System
> Hi,
>
> I am having some electrical problems with my 1970 2000
> Roadster. Yesterday while driving to work, I noticed
> that when I turned on the headlights, both the
> radio(not original) and the turn signals stopped
> working. When I turned off the headlights they came
> back. After work, when I went to start it up, it just
> barely turned over. Once started the engine runs fine.
>
> My suspicion is that the charge on the battery was
> low, causing the headlights to pull enough current
> that the radio would not work and the relay for the
> turn signals would not trip.
>
> Do I just have a battery that needs to be replaced (4
> years old, very light use, has been completely
> discharged several times)?
>
> My ammeter appears to be dead. There is no movement
> from center. How can I test it?
>
> I am assuming the alternator is ok, since the engine
> is getting plenty of juice for ignition.
>
> Other advice?
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom Ross
> West Chester, PA 1970 2000 Roadster
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