Last night when driving home something happened that I need to track down.

 

Have you done the additional headlight relay mod? It's my understanding that all of the headlight current runs throught the headlight switch and that it's only a matter of time before things begin to burn up. If you look on Pelican there are lot's of threads about this. I think a user named "Marcus Surco" (the Surco Headlight Relay Kit) manufactures a relay kit with instructions. Or if you're inclined you can make your own using high quality relays and wiring.

 

I will check into this.

 

With the car running check your voltage at the battery (also get an assistant to rev it up). Over 14.4V and you have a overcharging problem. It will be the regulator, change it or if you don't have a seperate one change the alternator.

 

I think this is what sand_man is reffering: http://members.rennlist.com/msucro1/relaykit.htm

Also, how to re-wire your headlights:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...amblings-2.htm

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ngs/rice-2.gif

 

Do you think this is the problem? A couple of guys swear it is the alternator! As well, what about the battery dying intermittently? Thanks for the info on the ignition.

 

With the hissing, it sounds like you were cooking the battery with to much charge. As suggested, check your battery while the car is running and see what the charge is. If it's overcharging, I'd replace the alternator first.

 

Thanks for posting those links, Rocket! If you haven't done this mod, SoFast, you need to...especially if you drive this beast at night.

Now having said this, I agree that you could also have an alternator/voltage regulator problem to boot! In previous experinces with vintage British iron (MG, Austin Healey, Triumph, etc.) and VWs it was usually a faulty voltage regulator and/or alternator/generator that caused my battery to hiss like that. GAD, I HATE ELECTRICAL ISSUES!

 

I always check for undercharging & overcharging before replacing a battery but I have never yet (touch wood) seen one yet that is being overcharged. I bet it doesn't do ecu's/cdi's etc. much good

 

I've had two Triumph TR6's. A 69 and a 75. While it's one of my favorite British cars, it's a love/hate relationship. Lucas, The Prince of Darkness... LOL

 

Not to get off topic or hi-jack, but I had a '70 and a '72 TR-6! Absolutely fantastic car! One of the best sounding cars...EVAR! Personally, I had very good luck with British cars - mechanically speaking. Any problems were usually electrical! LOL! I was able to achieve 239,000 miles on the original engine on my '69 MG-B-GT.

Didn't mean to add anything off topic, SoFast...at least I'm giving your thread a BUMP!

 

It is all good! I am going to sit down and trace this electrical system back. I will also make sure the headlamp upgrade is done. I just wanted to make sure I asked some people with experience to make sure I wasnt going to miss anything.

 

Rev the car to 2K and check the voltage. It should range between 12-14.5. There is range of error in there, but if you are running say 16-18 etc you are cooking your plates in the battery. Or in your case the fibermats. Anything more and you are in trouble. Time for a voltage regulator.