The last 2 weeks there has been a specifically vexing problem with my 1976 R90/6. About two weeks ago while driving in suburban traffic, it started missing and backfiring, typical of an electrical short. I put it away until I had time to look at it. I got around to getting it up on my lift for an oil change a couple of days ago and gave it a modest shakedown. Battery terminals are solid, ground to the back of the engine, solid. I took off the headlight to see if there was anything obvious. I shook the wiring, fuseblock , etc. No shutoff. I even removed the front engine cover and checked the diode board for anything loose....nothing. Yesterday I took it for a 3 hour cruise. It was damp and a little rainy. During the wettest portion of the ride it started missing and sputtering just like one would expect from a loose wire. I rode through it and eventually weather conditions dried out and I had no more problems.
Today I took it down to the gas station and filled it up for a little ride today. After filling it up, I turned on the key and nothing. No lights, no ignition, no nothing. I removed the headlight and poke at what I could see (bright afternoon sunlight made it difficult) still nothing. I eventually called my wife and she brought the van, etc., etc. Tonight I unload it and start to manuvear it to line up with my lift. I put the centerstand down and roll it on to it and "click", on come the lights. Fires right up.
I put it on my lift and this time I am giving the connections and junction a lot more scrutiny with the hopes of making it flicker....nothing. I looked at the factory wiring diagram to see if there is a main relay or circuit breaker (that would be too easy). Nope. Tomorrow I hope to go through and re-tighten and clean what contacts I have.
Question 1) The main positive goes from the starter to the diode board, that connection appears tight. However has anyone known a bad diode board to do something like this? Question 2) Is there something like a main circuit breaker or relay that I am missing? Key switch? There are no bad circuits anywhere; turn signals work, horn sounds, brake lights are fine, etc. Any great ideas????
Today I took it down to the gas station and filled it up for a little ride today. After filling it up, I turned on the key and nothing. No lights, no ignition, no nothing. I removed the headlight and poke at what I could see (bright afternoon sunlight made it difficult) still nothing. I eventually called my wife and she brought the van, etc., etc. Tonight I unload it and start to manuvear it to line up with my lift. I put the centerstand down and roll it on to it and "click", on come the lights. Fires right up.
I put it on my lift and this time I am giving the connections and junction a lot more scrutiny with the hopes of making it flicker....nothing. I looked at the factory wiring diagram to see if there is a main relay or circuit breaker (that would be too easy). Nope. Tomorrow I hope to go through and re-tighten and clean what contacts I have.
Question 1) The main positive goes from the starter to the diode board, that connection appears tight. However has anyone known a bad diode board to do something like this? Question 2) Is there something like a main circuit breaker or relay that I am missing? Key switch? There are no bad circuits anywhere; turn signals work, horn sounds, brake lights are fine, etc. Any great ideas????