Frying Battery Problem

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Jul 31, 2005 | 02:48 AM

FordRacingManiac

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Frying Battery Problem

hey i got a serious problem here that has me really confussed. i have a 79 f-150 with a 351m as my daily driver. for some odd reason it just started frying and exploding batteries, my charging system tests out great at advance auto, but i replace the altenator and the battery hoping it would fix the problem, but it made it worse. if anyone has some advice i would greatly appreacate it. thanks

Jul 31, 2005 | 08:08 AM

crawlfish

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From: Augusta.GA

Have you changed your voltage regulator recently? I understand there are two types of regulator systems, one used in vehicles equipped with warning lamps and another for systems using an ammeter. They are different, and plugs are not interchangeable to prevent inadvertently using the wrong one for the system type.

I'd check the regulator out in any case. Some of the more experienced guys here might give more information, but it may also be a short causing the system to continuously charge.

Jul 31, 2005 | 10:47 AM

fmc400

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From: Austin, TX

Do you mean the battery literally explodes? Please be more specific.

Jul 31, 2005 | 12:50 PM

FordRacingManiac

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well first all the acid in the battery starts boiling, then it builds up pressure and leaks out the top, or it even gets so bad that it will shoot the battery cap off about 1 foot into the air.

Jul 31, 2005 | 10:04 PM

Torque1st

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Moved to electrical forum.

Jul 31, 2005 | 11:38 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Take a voltage reading at the battery with the truck running. It should not be much over 14.5 volts.

I am guessing it is going to be way high, and that's overcharging the battery. Here's a diagram of your charging system. I would pay special attention to the yellow wire going to the "a" terminal of the regulator. This wire monitors the electrical system voltage, and tells the regulator how much power the alternator should put out.

It would be a good idea to check all the connections, and make sure it's wired like the diagram below. The diagram below is if your truck has a dash ammeter, not an idiot light.

Aug 2, 2005 | 01:37 AM

Purely Ford

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From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S

Had the same thing happen to me before. The battery is being overcharged. The voltage regulator isn't working properly and needs replacing. Also the alternator has been working so hard that it is most likely damaged as well. I know it may check out good today, but wait a while and it'll go out too. Just wait and see.