76 Plymouth Valiant won't start
Smoking is never a good thing. Either a short somewhere, or a loose connection. How "electric savvy" are you?
I don't know of anywhere you can download a 76 shop manual for free. I do have a 76 "in paper" and can post some shots of parts of the wiring if need be
There is a lot of good info here.....
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=31
including these somewhat simplified "aftermarket" wiring diagrams
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1976/76ValiantA.jpg
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1976/76ValiantB.jpg
It APPEARS from that diagram that the old "full amperage" ammeter is still being used. So this overview might give you some ideas:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml
Use the simplified diagram from that page to understand the primary / main power distribution. What is important is that power comes off the starter relay "big stud" and feeds through a fuse link INTO the bulkhead connector, into the interior of the car on the "road" to the ammeter. RIGHT THERE at the bulkhead connector is a big problem area. It would pay to release that connector and inspect it. Read the article.
Into the interior, to the ammeter, THE NEXT possible problem. However with lights on, etc, you can reach up under the panel and "wiggle" and see if there's any sparking, smoke, or heat.
Next "back out" into the engine bay on the black ammeter wire, back out through the bulkhead connector. This is the NEXT problem area.
Once again, read that article which gives a good overview. This might NOT be where the problem lies, but it's a good place to start
Smoking is never a good thing. Either a short somewhere, or a loose connection. How "electric savvy" are you?
I don't know of anywhere you can download a 76 shop manual for free. I do have a 76 "in paper" and can post some shots of parts of the wiring if need be
There is a lot of good info here.....
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=31
including these somewhat simplified "aftermarket" wiring diagrams
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1976/76ValiantA.jpg
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1976/76ValiantB.jpg
It APPEARS from that diagram that the old "full amperage" ammeter is still being used. So this overview might give you some ideas:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml
Use the simplified diagram from that page to understand the primary / main power distribution. What is important is that power comes off the starter relay "big stud" and feeds through a fuse link INTO the bulkhead connector, into the interior of the car on the "road" to the ammeter. RIGHT THERE at the bulkhead connector is a big problem area. It would pay to release that connector and inspect it. Read the article.
Into the interior, to the ammeter, THE NEXT possible problem. However with lights on, etc, you can reach up under the panel and "wiggle" and see if there's any sparking, smoke, or heat.
Next "back out" into the engine bay on the black ammeter wire, back out through the bulkhead connector. This is the NEXT problem area.
Once again, read that article which gives a good overview. This might NOT be where the problem lies, but it's a good place to start
