Optima deep-cycle battery Powermaster high-output XSVOLT alternator GM HEI distributor ACCEL Ultra-Lite high-torque starter Halogen sealed-beam headlight Painless universal ignition switch Painless Hot Shot relay Painless 12-circuit compact universal fuse block. Electrical work does not have to be a mystery. Unlike bodywork (which is more akin to art than science), electricity is governed by immutable laws of nature, so getting a handle on electrical gremlins is not a circuitous enigma. Its totally amenable to a logical, step-by-step troubleshooting approach. All it takes is fusing mechanical expertise with current sense. To help our readers find out watts happening so they can ohm-in on the cause of their charging and starting system ailments before the sickness becomes terminal, we got wired-in by electrical experts Painless Performance, received the acid truth from battery manufacturer Optima, and obtained a full-charging account from Powermaster, manufacturer of extreme high-output street and racing alternators. These companies current thinking on diagnosing (and curing) common electrical ills forms the basis for the following diagnostic procedures, which should be followed step-by-step in numeric order. Although the photos are specifically applicable to GM vehicles, the overall procedure is similar for other makes, except as noted. Performing the tests requires a test light, jumper wires, and a multimeter capable of reading volts and ohms. The procedures do not require an ammeter; while a nice tool to have, one thats capable of reading high-current automotive electrical circuits is fairly expensive. Finally, a special thanks to Alex Koufos (72 Chevelle and 80 El Camino) and Mark Farhat (71 Chevelle) for spending a Sunday afternoon serving as photo guinea-pigs. Check out the sidebars below to help sort out your electrical woes. SOURCES Optima Batteries Inc. 3-03/-340-7740 www.optimabatteries.com Powermaster Motorsports 2401 Dutch Valley Drive Knoxville TN 37918 423-688-5953 Painless Performance 2501 Ludelle St. Fort Worth Te 76105 Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!