Day I The Journey Almost Begins

Today the adventure started at 5:00am. Unfortunately things didn't go as planned. Within 3 miles the car started to develop a severe engine miss. The car finally stalled and needed a jump start so we could return home to see what was wrong. After returning with our heads low we expected that the ladies would lecture us and try to talk us out of this trip. As it turned out there were no snigh remarks...everyone was more interested in what was wrong. We found a loose battery ground cable which was promptly tightened. A quick electrical check revealed low charging voltage (less than 13volts) but charging nontheless. We decided to give it another try. We said our farewells and set off again.

This time we managed to get 30 miles before the engine developed a severe miss and the amp gauge went to 30+ amps and stuck in that position. Something had changed...and changed radically. Russ and I decided to head back to Hilton Head to BPC Motorworks where a complete charging system check could be performed. The drive was a test of Russ's patience and driving ability. He was not dismayed and although at times he had to drive on the shoulder (here there was one available) he got us to the shop in Hilton Head. Of course, now we had to call our ladies and tell them once again that we were broken down. Needless to say, this was a difficult phone call to make as now we were 4 hours into our trip and we hadn't gotten out of town. And to make matters worse they had to come and pick us up while we waited for the outcome of the charging system check. As we suspected the alternator was the culprit. Now there was only battery voltage...NO OUTPUT from the alternator. Mark from BPC motors had a heck of a time getting this retro-fit alternator dismounted which involved removing the carburetors and squeezing this 6 inch wide alternator thru a 5 inch opening. He finally got it out so the part and number could be identified. As luck would have it, the local Napa store had one in stock and at this writing was delivering it to the shop. If all goes well, it will be installed this pm and we may have another chance to start this trip again tomorrow. It was a disappointing day of course but Russ and I are glad it happened now than in the middle of the mountains or deserts of this big country. We are still optimistic and our spirits are not dampened.