electrical problems
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Elder User
Joined: May 2011
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From: Bellefontaine, OH
electrical problems
I have changed the alternator once about to change it again I have changed the voltage regulator 3 times and my 86 f350 is still overcharging the batteries and draining them while sitting... I'm getting so tired of this issue in getting close to burning this kinda rare truck to the ground... Anyone have any ideas what else would cause this?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,221
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On older vehicles drains are usually simple, glove box light, under hood light, trunk light, stereo wired direct instead of keyed hot, tired ignition switch that doesn't turn the accessory power off when it shuts the engine down, stuff like that.
The overcharging should have been the voltage regulator, odd, how are the wires to the regulator and starter? Are they virgin or have they been replaced or 'repaired'?
The overcharging should have been the voltage regulator, odd, how are the wires to the regulator and starter? Are they virgin or have they been replaced or 'repaired'?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
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If the wiring is hacked or damaged it could be your issues are one problem if the alternator's excite wire is charged all the time. The alternator would never stop charging when the engine is one and would drain with the engine off. With the key off see if the small wire is hot, shouldn't be. Another way would be to feel the alternator when the truck hasn't been used and see if it's warm or hot to the touch.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2011
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From: Bellefontaine, OH
I will have to check all of that... Except I know radio isn't a factor... Key ignition could be but there are no accessories to draw juice and after I shut the truck down and doors are closed there are no lights on... But I don't think it would be the ignition because my fuel pump runs from the fuse box and is only powered with key on... Wiring for this truck is in ok shape... Wiring harness for the alternator has been fixed (one wire only) but I did it because I thought maybe the inline fuse was bad.... But I can say original wiring harness was fried!... I changed it with one out of one of my parts trucks... And the reason I say this truck is kinda rare is it is a ccdrw bullnose... And barely any rust!
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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You might consider converting to the 3g alternator. They're oem in many fords from the 90s, have very simple wiring with internal regulator, higher output, and they're an easy conversion. Tons of threads around here on the swap.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2011
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From: Bellefontaine, OH
Well for now I believe the overcharging issue is fixed I must of been getting bad regulators repeatedly!... I went to my local O'Reilly and because alternator and regulator are both still under warranty I had them run the alt. Test and he had me shut the truck down when it reached 16.7 volts and was still climbing!!! 😰.... I changed the voltage regulator again and for now at least it isn't going above 14.5 volts... I left my batteries connected yesterday afternoon and I am going to see if I still have drain....
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