I have a 57 Chevy pickup (3100) with the original 235 engine. I just freshened up the engine compartment by cleaning and painting everything from firewall to bumper and the engine. It now has Offy intake with Carter/Weber progressive carbs, HEI, alternator, Fenton headers with glasspacks, and new Chevy Duty wiring harness made for 3-wire alternator.
My problem. Without lights on, the needle on the guage points slightly left of center towards discharge. If I turn the signals on, it moves slightly left with each blink. If I turn the headlights on, it moves left about an 1/8" off center. Without lights, I seem to be able to drive fine. Friday night I drove the truck about 15 miles with the headlights on and then stopped for a sandwich. After eating, the battery was not powerful enough to start the truck. I waited about 20 more minutes (about a total of an hour) and it had enough recovery to start and drive another mile home.
I'm pretty sure my wiring harness installation is correct. I checked every connection several times before leaving it.
How would you diagnose this problem? Thanks for your help.
Jerry
