Old Chevy Wiring

[Bobrob]

Nw guy here.

I'm in the process of installing a digital dash in a 71 Chevy and prior to reinstalling the battery, I decided to check the wiring and found something I wasn't expecting. The wire that supplies power to the system is connected to the BATT terminal on the fuse block. When I checked it with my multi meter, it showed continuity to ground. I removed the wire from the BATT terminal and found the terminal on the fuse block itself was grounded. I removed every fuse and disconnected the bulkhead connector (below the brake booster) and was able to determine the issue is inside the car somewhere.

It seems to me that with ALL fuses removed, this should have gone away and allowed me to run this down, but I'm stumped.

Anyone have insight?

 

[DPG]

It's not a positive earth system is it?

 

[telectrix]

could that continuity be through the starter motor?

 

[Bobrob]

It's not a positive earth system is it?

Nope.

I'm going to run out a pick up a new meter this morning as my old Fluke gave up the ghost a few months ago, and see what kind of resistance I have.

 

[Bobrob]

could that continuity be through the starter motor?

I suppose, but with all the fuses removed and the bulkhead connector removed, I'm not sure how that would show up.

 

[telectrix]

diss the lead to the starter at the starter.

 

[Bobrob]

diss the lead to the starter at the starter.

I'll try that later today, thanks

 

[Bobrob]

Got it all sorted. I checked all the connections, blew out the fuse block and replaced all the fuses and the problem disappeared. Will it resurface? Meh....who knows, but for now, all is right with the world.

Thanks for the help!