Mysterious Power Drain

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 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 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

 

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:

 

Start with the basics

I'd start by cleaning the battery connections.

 

It does sound like either a bad battery or still a bad alternator. The typical dim headlights can indicate you're running directly off the battery, thus draining it and not being able to keep the car running. Of course, any other number of things can cause similar issues, but rule these out first.

 

slowly i turned, inch by inch, step by step...

OK! heres the updates, alternator is good, battery was low.. alternator isnt more than 6 months old. battery, same age. im thinking the voltage reg, but i dont know what volts it should be at? any info is good, thanks for your help im gonna sit in the corner now, my brains fried... :error:

 

Do you have any regular pulsation in the lights?

Can you hear the regulator ticking?

 

Voltage Regulator should be a NAPA item.

If you go with a modern 12Si alt you don't even need a VR. Just a thought.

 

Check the ground connection to the body. That could cause the symptoms you descibe.