350ma Electrical Drain So I just picked up a 1951 Buick Special and after a day of sitting off a trickle charger in the exhaust shop, it wouldn't start to save its life. Took it to an electrical shop and they said there was a 350 amp drain on the battery system. They have gone through and disconnected all the dash lights, fuses and no such luck in tracing it down. At $110 an hour for the auto shop this electrical problem is doing more than just draining the battery. I am thinking that it might be cheaper in the long run to replace the entire wiring system and then convert it to a 12v system. Not sure what is realistic in terms of cost, but the quotes I have been getting have been around $2,500-$3k just for the 12v conversion & another $2,200 to replace wiring. Question is, is it worth to just replace the entire wiring system and get it over with or chalk this one up for the losses by moving it off to sale?
I appreciate the help and know next to nothing about cars. Trying to find a new shop to get it all fixed.
Good luck. 6 volt systems are reliable when working properly. They worked good thru the 1950's when every car was 6 volts. 12 volts is more reliable in regards to parts and availability . Ask around at car shows, cruise nights and local car club functions and perhaps you will find someone in your area that is reliable and has the knowledge to repair your problem. $3000 to convert to 12 volts is really extreme. LOU
Call this place and ask for Steve Fisher, he owns the shop and also owns about 20 Buicks from the 40's and up. If he can't help perhaps he can recommend someone. http://www.fishersautoservice.com/index.html
Just a note here- the comment about starter draw is to the point. I don't think that there is a part on your car that can draw that kind of current beyond the starter. It is conceivable that there is a dead short somewhere, but it should have fried the wire off at the point of contact, since there isn't any wire around as big as those on the starter, and trust me, they will burn clean off, if they are too small. I suggest you drag your car out of durance vile and find a real shop. Any starter in a stock automobile that draws over 200 amps, with a few exceptions, is on its way out. 350 is ridiculous.
My two cents worth on this issue- 6 volt wiring will be fine on a 12 volt system- AS LONG AS IT IS IN GOOD CONDITION. The WATTAGE in a 6 volt system and 12 volt system are the same for a given load, but the CURRENT would be half what a 6 volt system requires, which is the reason it will work fine on a 12 volt system. The current is what causes problems with overloads since it causes wires to heat up. At 1/2 the amperage the wiring will actually run cooler than the 6 volt system would cause. Converting to 12 volts will require changing your generator, starter, regulator, light bulbs, flasher, wiper and heater blower motors, cigarette lighter and radio. Your fuses will probably need to be replaced also since the current will be half what the 6 volt amperage was. The prices quoted you are entirely too high. As long as you have the time you can do most of the work yourself. Also never tell a shop you don't know what anything about what you are asking about unless you personally know the folks in the shop from experience.
