Battery drains completely down
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 269
Likes: 2
From: Abingdon. VA
Thought it might be the internal regulator in the alternator not kicking in since I run at low rpms thru town. Tried getting it up higher on the road yesterday and it didn't help. 12.1 v non start charge before run thru town this morning went to 11.9 engine running and 11.8 engine off after a 20 minute start and stop/engine on and off run. Is that normal or to much drop? I did run the wipers a lot so don't know if that would be an additional drain on battery if alternator not working. Rain kept any under hood work from happening so far.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 80
From: Northville, MI
Thought it might be the internal regulator in the alternator not kicking in since I run at low rpms thru town. Tried getting it up higher on the road yesterday and it didn't help. 12.1 v non start charge before run thru town this morning went to 11.9 engine running and 11.8 engine off after a 20 minute start and stop/engine on and off run. Is that normal or to much drop? I did run the wipers a lot so don't know if that would be an additional drain on battery if alternator not working. Rain kept any under hood work from happening so far.
It would help if we knew a bit more about your truck. Year, model, engine trans, modifications, etc.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
Thought it might be the internal regulator in the alternator not kicking in since I run at low rpms thru town. Tried getting it up higher on the road yesterday and it didn't help. 12.1 v non start charge before run thru town this morning went to 11.9 engine running and 11.8 engine off after a 20 minute start and stop/engine on and off run. Is that normal or to much drop? I did run the wipers a lot so don't know if that would be an additional drain on battery if alternator not working. Rain kept any under hood work from happening so far.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 146
From: Goulburn, NSW
Despicable little one wire alternators (ducks)
I've got one. Same effin problem. Make sure your alt is earthed to the motor and the motor to the chassis and then add more earths. I still haven't figured mine out yet. I'm running a 327 Chev. don't suppose the engine makes a difference, but you sound like you are having same trouble. Hope you get it sorted. Will be watching!
I've got one. Same effin problem. Make sure your alt is earthed to the motor and the motor to the chassis and then add more earths. I still haven't figured mine out yet. I'm running a 327 Chev. don't suppose the engine makes a difference, but you sound like you are having same trouble. Hope you get it sorted. Will be watching!
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 269
Likes: 2
From: Abingdon. VA
I have an old, stock 223 6 cyl that was stock when I got it. The 12 v conversion was done about 18 mths ago with a couple hundred miles on it at best, but a lot of short trips. Alternator was new at the time of conversion from generator. I wouldn't think it would go that fast, but from posts it sure sounds like that is the main culprit. I just got a carb/idle problem under control where it runs well and now this.
Rain today and try not to work on the truck on Sundays and grandkids and family coming in next week. I'll try do the recommended alt check. At least it will run short timeframes with the kids in plus I need to get mulch etc loads for the spring yardwork if it ever turns spring (calling for snow again tonight and tomorrow). Any major expensive problems I will create if battery is charged and run short distances/times until I can get alternator problem fixed? Don't really have the money for an alternator or battery either right now.
Rain today and try not to work on the truck on Sundays and grandkids and family coming in next week. I'll try do the recommended alt check. At least it will run short timeframes with the kids in plus I need to get mulch etc loads for the spring yardwork if it ever turns spring (calling for snow again tonight and tomorrow). Any major expensive problems I will create if battery is charged and run short distances/times until I can get alternator problem fixed? Don't really have the money for an alternator or battery either right now.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
I have an old, stock 223 6 cyl that was stock when I got it. The 12 v conversion was done about 18 mths ago with a couple hundred miles on it at best, but a lot of short trips. Alternator was new at the time of conversion from generator. I wouldn't think it would go that fast, but from posts it sure sounds like that is the main culprit. I just got a carb/idle problem under control where it runs well and now this.
Rain today and try not to work on the truck on Sundays and grandkids and family coming in next week. I'll try do the recommended alt check. At least it will run short timeframes with the kids in plus I need to get mulch etc loads for the spring yardwork if it ever turns spring (calling for snow again tonight and tomorrow). Any major expensive problems I will create if battery is charged and run short distances/times until I can get alternator problem fixed? Don't really have the money for an alternator or battery either right now.
Rain today and try not to work on the truck on Sundays and grandkids and family coming in next week. I'll try do the recommended alt check. At least it will run short timeframes with the kids in plus I need to get mulch etc loads for the spring yardwork if it ever turns spring (calling for snow again tonight and tomorrow). Any major expensive problems I will create if battery is charged and run short distances/times until I can get alternator problem fixed? Don't really have the money for an alternator or battery either right now.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Clitherall, MN.
Before my daughter was born, the wife said I'm going into labor! So we hop in the truck and off we went,28 miles to the hospital. Fan belt broke about 3 miles into the trip. We made it there but the 460 wouldn't start later. I would think your 223 would spin pretty easy with a full charge. I've had alternators die 2weeks after putting them in. Seems the quality isn't there these days. Maybe you can visit a jy and get one for cheap.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 269
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From: Abingdon. VA
Had grandkids and granddogs for a week and will be visiting another set this week. Haven't had much time to do any work other than checking voltage. I am going with the posts of a bad alternator. One other screwy thing the other day when moving the truck was the key ignition seemed dead for one try. Took the key out and did a few things and it worked with an easy start. If it is the alt then could a bad key ignition lead to any of my problems? Electrical for me is like herding cats.
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