The 1974 was the last year Corvette featured the big block engine. Small suspension changes were made to the front and rear, owing to a new, heavier bumper desgn that added 30 pounds to the weight of the car. If the battery in your Corvette has stopped providing reliable cranking power, it's time to troubleshoot it. Test the voltage in the battery to make sure it's strong enough to support the engine's needs.
Tools Used: Voltmeter, Baking soda, Protective gloves and glasses
Battery Troubleshooting
Park the Corvette in a level, well-lit area and shut the engine off. Pull the hood lever and prop the hood up.
Identify the battery. It's a rectangular engine part on the front of the engine, on the driver's side. It has two metal posts either on the top or on one side to which the red and black cables are connected. Most batteries have a strap that makes removal and installation easier, and many have a hard plastic cover. Remove the cover.
Connect the positive, or red, test lead of your voltmeter to the positive battery terminal, identifiable by the red battery cable connector attached to it. Then connect the negative, or black, test lead of the voltmeter to the negative battery terminal, identifiable by the black battery cable connector.
Look at the voltage reading registering on the voltmeter's screen. A sound battery produces between 12.5 and 12.8 volts. Anything less is a sign of a weak battery.
Tips & Warnings
Crank the engine and perform the test again to gauge the voltage in the alternator. A healthy alternator has a voltage output of between 13.6 and 14.3 volts.
Be careful when working around a battery. Look for acid spills, and pour baking soda over any you discover. Baking soda neutralizes the acid. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when working with an engine.
0 Comments