![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Vernon BC Canada
Posts: 287
|
batt drain help. (alt)
ok so i have a 71 k10 new bat new alt. if i leave the batt hooked up over night it will be dead when i get up to go to work the next day. after going throught all the wires headlight switch, ignition switch, starter cable, draw test, going crazy i did the simple thing and disconected the wire going from the batt to the alt now in not getting the spark that i was when i was hooking the batt up..... soooo im guessing that is it....now wtf is going on????? i was told somthing about a regulator?? wtf is that and what does it have to do with the alt? please help me out im so sick of removing my ground wire every night.. thanx
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Marianna Arkansas
Posts: 7,269
|
Re: batt drain help. (alt)
On the drivers side of the truck under the hood mounted on the radiator support is the voltage regulator. That would be the item I think to change out to solve your problem
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Comox BC
Posts: 337
|
Re: batt drain help. (alt)
I can't help you out but you may get a better respnse over in the electrical forum.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Gwinnett GA
Posts: 1,803
|
Re: batt drain help. (alt)
I had this a couple months ago
Changed the voltage regulator. $22. All fixed. The cool Voltage regulator test is to pull the positive battery cable WHILE the truck is idling. If the truck stays running, the voltage regulator is fine
__________________
1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 | |
Msgt USAF Ret
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Posts: 8,713
|
Re: batt drain help. (alt)
Quote:
Pulling the battery cable is not a valid test of anything. It will only show that the alternator is putting out enough voltage (current) to keep the engine running. What it will do is throw the alternator into an unregulated state, because the voltage regulator can no longer sense the state of charge of the battery. Usually the alternator will default to full output based on the engine RPMs. Any sensitive electronics like a distributor (HEI) module could be damaged. The best test for a battery drain is to place a multi meter between the disconnected negative battery cable and the negative battery terminal with the multimeter on the 10 amps scale and with the engine off, and everything turned off on the vehicle. This test should be done with a fully charged good battery to avoid any internal shorts in the battery itself. If the meter reads more than 3 or 4 milliamps .003 amps, that is unacceptable in most cases. If there are hacked up harnesses or added circuits by the OP then all bets are off. Most all these drains are key off, and in the voltage hot all the time, loads. I/E. the alternator, the regulator if external, the horn relay (if the horn is disconnected, it would be blowing otherwise and obvious). The procedure is to start disconnecting along the positive path of the trucks circuit. One at a time and leave them disconnected in case there is more than one draw. Starting with the alternator, then the external regulator then the horn relay etc. until the multimeter amp draw drops to near zero. You can also use a test light, watching for it to dim or go out. Memory items like radio presets will draw a small amount so the reading may not go to zero. It sometimes occurs when the owner has wired in a stereo system and has connected it to a hot positive source without a switched off capability.
__________________
VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: lompoc ca
Posts: 228
|
Re: batt drain help. (alt)
A friend had this problem once in a while his battery would be dead in the morning. I drove by his house one night his brake lights were on it was the switch didnt notice it in the daytime. As mentioned already sound systems are usually culprit. I installed toggle switch to shut all power to radio even though digital clock doesnt draw much. yes a multi meter is a great tool to own good luck hope its easy to find
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: lompoc ca
Posts: 228
|
Re: batt drain help. (alt)
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
|
Re: batt drain help. (alt)
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|