Static issues

[Kap142]

OK guys you get to help with another bit of problem resolution.

When I got "Goldie" she had an after market POS radio cut into her gauge bezel and it sounded like pooooooooo with static too. Soooooo as the (obviously) intelligent person I R. I promptly ordered a new gauge bezel with Pioneer CD, ('cause,ya know, a dude's gotta have his Buffett)

Also found that the capicator for radio supression on the coil was grounded instead of attached to the positive pole of the coil (why who knows)(does it work anyway, who knows) now it's attached to the positive.

I just jump right in and added braided plug wires (properly grounded of course) and still have less then clear "fine" sound.

Radio's little ground wire is attached to a solid ground so that's not it.

What do you guys say?

Ken

[Rich Z]

The two places you have to look at for chinks in the noise suppression armor is at the source (plug wires, distributor, etc.) or the destination (radio and antenna). Did you check the antenna and cable to make sure it is up to snuff?

[Kap142]

Kinda sorta Rich. I know I still have one plug wire not well seated on some plug, so maybe a source is still right there. Antenna appears as a solid connection but another inspection couldn't hurt.

I've heard that some nature of distrib. shield exsisted inside the distributer at sometime. Do you have any knowledge of it?

[Mark Dalton]

This may sound silly but, do you hear the static with or without the motor running?

[98 softtail]

I read this somewhere... replacing the antenna cable often will fix static noise. Down here in Florida, the humidity and salt in the air cause them to corrode, increasing resistance and "static".

[Rich427]

Originally Posted by Kap142

Kinda sorta Rich. I know I still have one plug wire not well seated on some plug, so maybe a source is still right there. Antenna appears as a solid connection but another inspection couldn't hurt.

I've heard that some nature of distrib. shield exsisted inside the distributer at sometime. Do you have any knowledge of it?

Ken,

Yes it is true that on vintage Vettes, like ours, they had a shielding inside of the distributor. They were sort of like an upside down cup that was about 3/4 of an inch tall and in two pieces so that they would fit around the distributor shaft.

I don't have them on mine and it has not caused a problem for me. I agree with a previous message, if you are dealing with an old antenna cable, you might want to look at that as a possible problem.

Rich

[Rich Z]

Well, one of the few disadvantages that vettes have compared with most other cars is that they do not have that sort of Faraday Cage that the grounded sheet metal body panels make for radio frequency noise around the engine compartment. Fiberglass and composite plastics are pretty much transparent to that sort of radiating energy. Personally, I believe it would be much easier to attack the problem at the receiving end with the antenna and radio itself (possibly some noise cancelling filters on the antenna cable), rather than trying to plug all the holes that could exist in the RF noise generating engine compartment.

That being said, I NEVER really listen to my radio, so this has always been a non issue with me. Matter of fact, when I sold my Jeep Wrangler that I bought at the end of 1997, I had to turn on the radio to make certain it was still working for the guy buying it. I hadn't used it in years....

[Kap142]

Originally Posted by Mark Dalton

This may sound silly but, do you hear the static with or without the motor running?

With motor running

Ken

[Kap142]

I like the "filter" idea. Think I'll try that approach.

As to the antenna cable I'm sure it's at least 10 years old but it's now firmly glued under new carpet so the filter maybe a prettier path.

Thanks guys. I'll let you know the results

Ken

[98 softtail]

C'mon Rich, turn on that radio or CD or tape once in a while, we all love the sound of our vette's ripping thru the gears, but a little music is good for the soul.