No, on mine it was the actual connection. Since then I have done one of thowe "Haztoys" wiring tune ups, well sort of. I have done the vinegar and distiller water part. Just got.some picks so I could actually mess with the connectors. Oil gauge is steadier, voltmeter doesn't have to be slapped anymore. Idle is better,etc. sounds like age has caught up electrically with yours a bit too.