Hello Pinto Enthusiasts,
I have a 6-cylinder 1975 Pinto and my battery keeps dying. I have replaced the battery with a new one (twice under battery warranty) and have also repalced the alternator and battery cables. It will start with a fresh new battery, but after it sits for over a day or two the battery is completely drained and can't even be jumped. I'm trying to fix this problem myself and avoid dropping a few hundred at the mechanics if possible. I'm thinking of replacing the regulator today and keeping my fingers crossed. Has anyone else experienced this problem or have any advice on a possible solution.
Thanks!
-Andy
p.s. I also have a 73 4-cyl wagon (2.3) and was wondering if anybody knew the distributor firing sequence (I'm searching for a manual). I think the order is 1,3,4,2.
Sounds like you have a short somewhere. My 67 Mustang had a short at the regulator a few years back so you may start there. If that does not solve it, I would start pulling fuses.
I also think you are on the correct path with the regulator.
If your Pinto Wagon is a 73 it should have a 2.0, unless someone has changed it. Either way it is 1342 Firingorder.
From Pintony
Pintoy is correct my 73 is a 2.0. I'm a little dyslexic today.
Double check the alternator connections. Make sure you have your Stator wire connected correctly. I had the exact same problem as you and it turned out my stator wire on my alternator wasn't connected correctly.
I did not hear anything about a volt/ohm meter. Checking a charging system without a volt/ohm meter is purely expensive guess work.
#1...The bat. has 6 cells ...each produce 2 volts...if you have 12 volts then leave the meter on the bat. and look for static discharge...that is voltage drop lower then 12 volts over a 15 minutew period.
#2...Connect bat. to cables and check charging rate...it should average 14 volts between high and low rpm. If to low then bad alt...if to high then bad alt/reg. In some cases overcharging could have smoked the bat.
Volt/ohm meters can be picked up cheap at wally world. They are a good all around thing to have.
#3...If the bat. and cs look good then it is the starter or cable.
High_Horse
OK Group,
I am going out on a limb here...
Do the Pinto V6 engines have a Anti-Diesel solinoid on the carb??
This solinoid may be staying energized after the ignition is turned off draining the battery.
I have never had a V6 Pinto that I drove, but it seems logical as a possible culprit to your battery drain.
From Pintony
Thank you everyone for the advice. A new regulator is coming in tomorrow and my friend is coming by with a volt meter for a diagnosis.
Thanks again,
Andy