Something weird electrically with Bugsy

[Jim_Gruber]

So I was driving Bugsy last night with Brights on as one low beam is out. One of the bulbs really dark up top showing signs that the other filament about to go out in that headlamp. Yes I have a few spare in the garage and will change out. Anyway, dash lamps started getting dimmer and engine began to start missing on one cylinder and then it went to two and possibly three. Barely got to a friend's house after chugging really slowly in 2nd gear. That same hill was climbed in 4th gear and car was picking up speed in 4th gear one hour before. Thought at first it was fuel pump or junk in he float bowls. Nothing there, plugs are correct color nothing wrong there, battery voltage at idle 12.7/ 12.8 oh oh Voltage Regulator? Reved it, single lamp on low beam 13.8 v at around 2k. Now Generator was rebuilt 2 weeks ago, new brushes and springs. Thinking some sort of issue with Voltage Regulator and will need to check that out this weekend. Closed the bonnet and went about 4 miles to home. Engine ran flawlessly and I used both low beams at first and both high beams for a while. Engine did not miss a beat and all went well going home.

This evening< I put the Schumacher Battery Charger on and battery shows FULL Charge. I fully expected that battery was down and would need charged. Need some ideas guys. I never did get around to cleaning up Terminals on the Voltage Regulator so will work on that this weekend. Plans are to change shortly to an alternator when I install a new wiring harness and the Voltage Regulator will disappear. British Wiring/Autosparks does have the ability to build the hardness for a 60BE as an Alternator Setup and deletes all of the wiring harness that normally would go to he voltage regulator. Will also be installing fuse panel with 4 or 5 relays up and under the dash on the PS. I am looking for suggestions on that topic.

So anyway, why did Bugsy Crap out on me. Voltage Regulator Points got stuck?

Headlamp going bad super high current draw.

Even if the VR Relay was stuck, wouldn't the car run off of the battery. From when issue started to home , less than 4 miles. Need some thoughts. $70 for a Voltage Regulator from Moss that is "Cleaned, Tested, Adjusted." I'm only going to be using it for a few more weeks until salt goes down and then he'll be up on jackstands to have front and rear suspension redone. Need some thoughts, need some thoughts on cleaning up VR.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Just a thought, on logical step-by-step troubleshooting.
If the lights all get dim, and the engine starts to misfire, you probably need to connect your voltmeter to the battery and watch it whilst driving. See if something starts dropping off.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Easy enough to do.

 

[smaceng]

Jim, you may or may not have seen this, but this is what I did to 60FROG for fuses and relays. Looks like a regular BE wiring harness, but the relays and fuses necessary for safety, are out of the way.
Added fuses for headlights, running lights, dash lights, fuel pump, battery and added relays for headlights, ignition, and horn.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Scott,
Where did you find the relay and fuse panel from. I've got a copy of your wiring diagram I think you sent me but that!s the first pic I recall seeing.

 

[SD Bugeye]

I would check your combo light and ignition switch.
the contacts maybe worn poor current path.

 

[smaceng]

Hi Jim, the relays and fuse panel came from a company called bits4brits.com. I checked and it appears that he is no longer running the website. The items themselves (relays, fuse panel) are available from various sources. A panel can be made from scrap aluminum. One thing that was helpful for me is that he wired the panel and used all the correct colors. Wires in the proper colors are available from British wiring. Good Luck, Scott

 

[59diamond]

Hi Scott,
If possible could you E-Mail the photo of the relays and fuses
Thanks,
Bill Mayer