batteries keep dying
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 409
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From: Wasilla
Check the voltage, both DC & AC, with the truck running. DC voltage should be around 13.8 up to 14.7. AC voltage should less than 0.5 volts. If both voltages check out then a parasitic drain is likely your trouble. However, if either the DC is low or the AC is high you have a charging system problem. Look for past posts by user, TooManyToys, he has produced a wealth of great charging system info. Good luck, Russ
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Check the voltage, both DC & AC, with the truck running. DC voltage should be around 13.8 up to 14.7. AC voltage should less than 0.5 volts. If both voltages check out then a parasitic drain is likely your trouble. However, if either the DC is low or the AC is high you have a charging system problem. Look for past posts by user, TooManyToys, he has produced a wealth of great charging system info. Good luck, Russ
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Jersey Shore
That depends when you are testing that voltage. If the glow plugs are still energized you'll see low numbers. You have to wait for a full two minutes out.
Along with all the good info Russ mentioned, the batteries need to be capacity tested for how many CCA they are capable of.
Along with all the good info Russ mentioned, the batteries need to be capacity tested for how many CCA they are capable of.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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I must be a paranoid nut. I am frequently charging and load testing my batteries (individually). That is in addition to watching the cranking and idling voltage on every start up. I hate to be surprised with a failure in the starting/charging system. I also hate to see that vicious cycle of bad alternator results in ruined batteries ...... extreme demand from bad batteries ruins alternator ...... etc.
I suppose some people have good service without such attention, but I never have - not in any diesel since first buying the 6.9L in 1988.
I suppose some people have good service without such attention, but I never have - not in any diesel since first buying the 6.9L in 1988.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Jersey Shore
I'd rate you as an enthusiast Mark, not paranoid. I'll capacity test every 6 months or more, do weekend charges occasionally (monthly?), a deep restorative charge at least once a year on the truck.
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Jersey Shore
No, I use my CTEK MXS 5.0 which has a "restorative" charging cycle. One of my other chargers has a "desulfation" charge cycle. Either help in extending the life cycles.
Between home and farm, not counting a motorcycle, I have 18 batteries to keep maintained so it's not an occasional chore, and expensive if I needed to replace them all in short order.
Between home and farm, not counting a motorcycle, I have 18 batteries to keep maintained so it's not an occasional chore, and expensive if I needed to replace them all in short order.
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