VCCA Home Forums Thread Like Summary - Mystery wiring

Today’s problems I think are related.
1. The engine seems to be running fine except the rpm’s are set at 850rpms and on it own it races to 1500 rpm’s without touching the car.
2. Without the ignition on, I turn on the headlights they start to flash. The amp meter clicks back and forth from center to discharge.
3. I was leaning on the fender and adjusting the carb and touched the bare shaft of the screw driver and the horn honked.

I’ve got a 6volt headlight switch ordered.
If I order a new wiring harness, will a 12volt kit work if I plan on converting to 12 volt someday.
Thanks

12 volt wiring will not work well as long as you're on 6 volts. Just get a 6v harness. The beefier wires will swallow anything 12v will throw at it. Unless you're running some kind of electronic ignition I don't see how an electrical problem will affect the idle speed. Others will be along soon with better ideas than mine. Electrical gremlins make my head hurt.

As Tiny noted you need the heavier gauge wires if you are going to run 6 volts even for a while. You run the risk of overheating wires and creating a fire if you use a harness designed for 12 volts in a 6 volt system.

I think there is something else going on with your engine if the slowest idle you can get is 800 rpm. These Stovebolt 6’s will normally idle at as low as 450. I typically set mine at between 550 and 600.

Thanks guys! Learn something new everyday. And today I learned it’s better to ask questions, than assume I know something!