Power Problem

[cjohn2000]

I recently bought a 1969 f250 camper special w/ 390. It has been sitting for two years and was fully operational when parked. I had to get an ignition switch for it and my coworker who was gonna originally buy it put a new starter solenoid on it. The problem seems to be that I cant get any power to anything. No ignition, so I tried headlights because as far as I know they are essentially directly connected to the battery. I was just wondering whats a common element that might give out after two years of sitting? The wiring harness has been hacked and connected on all corners and I have checked the fuses. Thanks for any help, Corey

[GIJoe4500]

Do you have a multi-meter? or at minimum a test light? Start at the battery and chase wires until you can find where you don't have power anymore.

[cjohn2000]

Yeah I have a multi meter. I even have schematics from a book. I was just wondering if there is a part that can fail when the vehicle has been sitting for a while.

[TNIceWolf]

Any part can fail when a vehicle sits. What is more common is for a connection to fail. Sometimes you have to go back to basics and start figuring out electrical problems. If you have hacked up wiring harnesses you are pretty much going to have to figure it out circuit by circuit. Start with the battery connections both at the battery itself and to the engine.From there check out the starter relay ground and function. If you arent getting any power past that point you dont have a functional electric system,

[cjohn2000]

Kind of figured that this wasnt gonna be an easy fix. Oh well lukily its been a three day weekend

[basketcase0302]

Is the battery fully charged?
Are both positive and negative battery cables in good shape?
Is the main ground battery cable attached to the engine block?
Is the main ground strap attached from the rear of the intake manifold to the cab's firewall?
Is the main fusible link wiring, (attaches to the same side of the solenoid as the + battery cable) attached and in good shape?
Is the main alternator wiring harness from the alternator hooked up and in good shape?

[cjohn2000]

Success! I dropped by the parts house and picked up a volt. regulator and slapped it in and I was in business headlights, radio, now she cranks. Still not too sure about the wiring but ill worry about neatin' that up when i get it home. Are there any schematics that show how that isolator worked or should be wired from the factory? Thanks, Corey