Run with Dash Cluster removed?
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 6
From: CT
Run with Dash Cluster removed?
Waiting on a rebuild of the dash cluster for my 96 7.3. Will the truck idle with the cluster removed ? Want to keep the batteries charged and oil flowing as it’s been cold. Thanks.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,348
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
The 1999 - 2003 SD 7.3L will run with the instrument cluster removed, so I would assume the OBS 7.3L would as well.
If you want to be sure, have a multimeter ready and try to start the truck after letting the GP's do their thing. Once it is started, use the multimeter or voltmeter to check for proper operation of the alternator.
All that said, charging the batteries at idle is a very inefficient way of charging the batteries. The alternator is the most efficient when it is cold initially after starting, but a trickle charger or battery tender would be the best option going forward.
Even repetitive short drives are not advised on diesel trucks such yours and mine.
I hope this helps.
If you want to be sure, have a multimeter ready and try to start the truck after letting the GP's do their thing. Once it is started, use the multimeter or voltmeter to check for proper operation of the alternator.
All that said, charging the batteries at idle is a very inefficient way of charging the batteries. The alternator is the most efficient when it is cold initially after starting, but a trickle charger or battery tender would be the best option going forward.
Even repetitive short drives are not advised on diesel trucks such yours and mine.
I hope this helps.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,519
Likes: 2,028
From: North Texas
You need to verify it will charge without the alternator light in the circuit. Some vehicles will not.
Agreed on just buying a battery charger of sorts. Pay attention locally for the big 'jump' box things that can do low charge, high, and jump amperage. I had a neighbor give me one (!) and another was NIB for a modest $20. These are invaluable around a well equipped shop. My pal has had great luck with the 'Battery Tender' brand for trickle units.
Agreed on just buying a battery charger of sorts. Pay attention locally for the big 'jump' box things that can do low charge, high, and jump amperage. I had a neighbor give me one (!) and another was NIB for a modest $20. These are invaluable around a well equipped shop. My pal has had great luck with the 'Battery Tender' brand for trickle units.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 994
Likes: 367
From: Republic of Texas
With all above...
Battery maintainer is the best option.
If you are going to start the truck drive it and take it to lunch. I here they like being taken out on journeys, don't forget the shotgun K9.
Seriously however you are not doing the engine any good idling for more than a few minutes. You need to get the engine up to temp for about an hour before the contaminates in the oil start to burn off.
Battery maintainer is the best option.
If you are going to start the truck drive it and take it to lunch. I here they like being taken out on journeys, don't forget the shotgun K9.
Seriously however you are not doing the engine any good idling for more than a few minutes. You need to get the engine up to temp for about an hour before the contaminates in the oil start to burn off.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,348
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
If you decide to go the tender/maintainer route, you don't need anything fancy or with multiple charging leads on it. Just something to keep the amperage up when the truck is sitting and unused. Truth be told, I have 4 battery tenders. I have 3 "battery tenders" by Deltran and 1 by NOCO that is onboard the truck.
The other three are for our Subaru, VW and riding lawn mower. You can greatly extend the life of a battery by using a tender.
We hope all of this information helps.
The other three are for our Subaru, VW and riding lawn mower. You can greatly extend the life of a battery by using a tender.
We hope all of this information helps.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 6
From: CT
Well she fired right up but alternator was not charging- connected the trickle charger. Hopefully the rehabbed cluster shows this week and we’ll be ready for snow season. Thanks for the info-
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
68turquoise300I6
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Oct 28, 2014 10:34 PM
