Hello All! I own a 63 plymouth valiant v200 wagon(my daily driver) and have an electrical problem. I've been following this forum for the 2 months that i own this car, first post. I had a wire melt down yesterday. The wire that went from the starter to the starter relay literally disintigrated under huge electrical load. I've replaced the ballast resistor,voltage regulator,igniton box (retrofitted mopar system,170ci) and have fixed numerous electical connections PRIOR to this sudden meltdown. I need Help fast! When i attempt to connect a wire from starter to the relay it arcs like a mother! I'm hoping that all the new components installed are not fried, Help! Luka

If the wire from the battery to the starter relay melted, but the wire from the relay to the starter or the firewall connector did not, it suggests that somehow the relay itself is sinking all the current to ground (likely through the screw that mounts the relay to the fenderwell).

Disconnect all the wires from the relay. Disconnect both wires from the battery. Use an ohmmeter to check resistance from the power terminal on the relay (where the battery connects to the relay) to any decent ground on the car (even the case of the starter relay). You should have NO connection at all (a reading of infinite resistance). If you have anything less than infinite resistance, replace the relay.

Alternatively, you can simply replace the relay as a test.

-Mac

I'm gonna just replace it, but for diagnostic purposes will run test recommened. I have moderate skills so i need this kind of good advice!!Thanks, keep it commin!

Luka,

SO SORRY, I just realized that I misread your post! If it is the wire that runs FROM the relay TO the starter that is burned, then almost certainly you have a bad starter.

Replace the starter, not the relay.

Nothing else is likely to have been damaged.

Again, I apologize.

-Mac

well i did have fluctuations from the Ampmeter at idle, bounce from middle to about 5/8 positive up until my problem. I ran a heavy guage + wire through the firewall to the ammeter (read it was a common problem)to eliminate the harness for that earlier, learning as i go, i'm good with a multimeter, any way to test starter besides Kragen down the street?

I've tested them out of the car with jumper cables (make sure you put your foot on it or else..................)

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes