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Bought a project vehicle f150 not running, it's a 2wd 4.9l XLT 5 speed 1992. i got it running a long time ago, was daily driving actually for a few months, then it needed more parts so sat for a month. it's now "road ready" again except it has a serious battery draw, once you shut it off, you got 10 minutes to start it back up again. The battery is merely months old. truck did not have this problem when i got it its actually been a very reliable vehicle as far project cars go
i am an auto technician student in college so i kind of know what I'm looking for and i know how to test parastitic draw at the fuses. I have tested the alternator and it appears to function perfectly, 14.5 volts. Before I do the current draw test today, i was just wondering if theres any really common issues with these trucks that cause a big draw like that that someone already knows about. also, where can i find all the ground locations without paying an arm and a leg? i can't get on my magic service data at school until thursday
i am an auto technician student in college so i kind of know what I'm looking for and i know how to test parastitic draw at the fuses. I have tested the alternator and it appears to function perfectly, 14.5 volts.
also, where can i find all the ground locations without paying an arm and a leg? i can't get on my magic service data at school until thursday
So have you unplugged the alternator or anything of the fuses? I’m guessing it’s the alternator causing the draw.
Buy an EVTM from RockAuto, eBay or ?
It will tell you everything you need to know about the wiring and vacuum in your truck.
I would check the current first and then use those values to help you out. Amp clamp is a good tool to own. Even a cheap one is better than none. The best ones can measure as low as 1ma, but 10ma is good enough for every day use.
The amount of current to drain a fully charged battery in 10 minutes is a lot. I suspect an IR temp gun will help you with looking for the problem.
Lead Acid [LA] batteries are not meant to be drawn down to 0V. Anything more than 50% is seriously stressing your battery out. As far as I am concerned, any LA battery that has reached 0V is compromised. If the LA has been drawn down to 0v and left there for weeks, the battery is junk. Just my experience. New does not mean good.
