Best way to test electrical system with no engine - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 02-13-2006, 03:59 PM

Recently bought a new project and I want to see what I've gotten myself into. I'd like to check out the electrical system to see what is working. It does not have an engine in it. Can anyone tell me the best way to hook up a battery to get juice to lights, etc.?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks.

MDC · 02-13-2006, 04:11 PM

Your pos battery cable should have a fusible link connected to a junction block on the inner fender. That is your main power to the fuse panel. Just find somewhere to ground the neg cable.

**ScottH** · 02-13-2006, 04:21 PM

MDC, thanks but this is a 65 Van so I'm pretty sure no junction block or fusible link. Haven't had the time to check it out yet.

Putter · 02-13-2006, 05:12 PM

You should still be able to ground the neg. cable of the battery to the frame (vice-grips). Other than that, you should be good to test. Just make sure the hot wire leading to the starter isn't touching metal first....ZZZZZAP!.

sinister72 · 02-13-2006, 07:19 PM

safer to use a battery charger set to low amps, that way anything wrong you shouldnt fry anything.

**ScottH** · 02-13-2006, 07:28 PM

Good idea for the battery charger -

So where should positive be connected to? No junction block nor starter so no positive battery cable. Perhaps starter wires?

Thanks guys.

Longhorn Man · 02-13-2006, 08:36 PM

One one end of the positive cable or the other, there should be a smaller wire that feeds the whole van. I understand there is nn actual cable, but down by where the starter should be, or up by the battery, somewhere around one of those two places, there is a wire that feeds the entire van.

TEXAS 68 · 02-13-2006, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinister72

safer to use a battery charger set to low amps, that way anything wrong you shouldnt fry anything.

I'm installing a new harness in my truck and they recommend the battery charger also.

02-13-2006, 03:59 PM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Best way to test electrical system with no engine Recently bought a new project and I want to see what I've gotten myself into. I'd like to check out the electrical system to see what is working. It does not have an engine in it. Can anyone tell me the best way to hook up a battery to get juice to lights, etc.? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

02-13-2006, 04:11 PM	#2
MDC Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: N Texas Posts: 727	Re: Best way to test electrical system with no engine Your pos battery cable should have a fusible link connected to a junction block on the inner fender. That is your main power to the fuse panel. Just find somewhere to ground the neg cable. __________________ 67 C10 Shortbed 327 05 F150 4x4 NO APPOLOGIES 's 02 Xpress X19 02 Yamaha VMax 150 www.xpressboats.com Nothing says 'poor craftmanship' like wrinkles in your duct tape

02-13-2006, 04:21 PM	#3
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Re: Best way to test electrical system with no engine MDC, thanks but this is a 65 Van so I'm pretty sure no junction block or fusible link. Haven't had the time to check it out yet.

02-13-2006, 05:12 PM	#4
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: Best way to test electrical system with no engine You should still be able to ground the neg. cable of the battery to the frame (vice-grips). Other than that, you should be good to test. Just make sure the hot wire leading to the starter isn't touching metal first....ZZZZZAP!. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

02-13-2006, 07:19 PM	#5
sinister72 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Bowling Green, kentucky Posts: 182	Re: Best way to test electrical system with no engine safer to use a battery charger set to low amps, that way anything wrong you shouldnt fry anything. __________________ 72 chevy C-10 swb fleetside,402 BB.700r4,buckets,console.etc. 72 Blazer CST 350,AT, new project 1971 Chevy Nova ,355 SB blow through turbo in works.

02-13-2006, 07:28 PM	#6
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Re: Best way to test electrical system with no engine Good idea for the battery charger - So where should positive be connected to? No junction block nor starter so no positive battery cable. Perhaps starter wires? Thanks guys.

02-13-2006, 08:36 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Best way to test electrical system with no engine One one end of the positive cable or the other, there should be a smaller wire that feeds the whole van. I understand there is nn actual cable, but down by where the starter should be, or up by the battery, somewhere around one of those two places, there is a wire that feeds the entire van.



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