My voltage gauge always reads 8-10 volts even with a brand new battery. I feel like something is shorted out but not sure what. Car won't start but cranks and wants to start. Not sure if those issues are associated yet. The voltage should read at the 12 middle mark though no?

 

Is the battery draining (dying) when you have the car off? Have you gotten the car running? If so, how is your voltage after the car is running and the alternator kicks on?

Is it doing this with the car engine off, but the ignition "on", or while cranking? What other accessories are on? If it's doing it while cranking, that's probably normal.

I know until my alternator kicks on, my car will be ~10v. I am running a more powerful fuel pump and an electric fan however.

To get the car started, have you tried to fire it with some starting fluid? Are you not getting fuel? Is it "kicking" but not "catching" when you crank it?

 

I'd say faulty gauge.

 

replace the "B" wire (at least with an 8 gauge radio amp wire)and replace all battery cables with welding cable and an additional ground wire to engine

 

I'm going to do all new battery and starter cable with the amp wires (8 gauge). I'm hoping my issue is just a faulty coil or ignitor. I don't have an electrical conductivity tester (I need one). I'll know as soon as my MSD 6al installation is finished. The car will crank and all I'll get is a couple seconds of running and backfire. I'm praying I haven't blown an apex seal.

 

you should check the voltage at the battery, with the car off it should be more than 12v, with it running it should be between 13.6-13.9

if its not, then you have some charging system problems

 

It was running just a few days ago but I had installed the ignition incorrectly to the timing setting. Since then it hasn't started. The voltage I mentioned was not running and I also have a stronger fuel pump and electric fan that stays on. The fuel pressure is reading proper so I think I must be getting fuel.

 

^ what they said (while I was typing) Should read around 14v when the car is running, A little above 12v when ignition is turned on before starting. At least 8v when cranking. New heavy duty battery cables are the first thing I'd try. Might make it better If you clean all the terminals on the battery cables at both ends and the ground on the fender.

 

I'm currently grounded on the strut tower. Where on the fender are you suggesting?

 

since you're planning to run MSD and replace all cables, you should ditch the stock fusible links and upgrade to FC fusebox to clean up the engine bay.

run at least 8gauge from alternator to fuse box. on the other side of the 80amp, connect your MSD (can be straight to alternator) and battery cable.

for ground, battery to fender (stock location). from this point, engine block (front engine plate where a/c bracket is mounted and another one to engine/trans bolt.

by the way those gold plated battery teminal is a nice piece of junk lol

 

I find the brass ones to be the best. Lead terminals seem to crack after a few removals.

 

The strut tower is what I meant.