1974 Charging question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2003
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1974 Charging question
1974 F-250, 390 V-8.
Battery seems to always be drained. I installed a battery from another truck that I know is good. I checked for a draw, by using a light between the neg post and the neg cable and no light. The battery shows 12v when the truck is running. I have heard this is NOT something to do, but I disconnected the battery when the truck was running and it stalled as soon as I unhooked the battery. Is this an alternator problem? I also have a Meyers plow that seems to be jimmyrigged on the power cables. If anyone can direct me to a wiring diagram, it would help. I bought the truck used, so I don't have much history on it.
Thanks in advance,
TK
Battery seems to always be drained. I installed a battery from another truck that I know is good. I checked for a draw, by using a light between the neg post and the neg cable and no light. The battery shows 12v when the truck is running. I have heard this is NOT something to do, but I disconnected the battery when the truck was running and it stalled as soon as I unhooked the battery. Is this an alternator problem? I also have a Meyers plow that seems to be jimmyrigged on the power cables. If anyone can direct me to a wiring diagram, it would help. I bought the truck used, so I don't have much history on it.
Thanks in advance,
TK
New User
Joined: Sep 2005
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Drain on battery
Couple of things. When you check the volt at battery you said 12v. With engine running there should be 13.2 volts or greater. If only 12v then would be thinking that the charging curcuit is at fault and the battery is going flat due to you running the engine.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: in a 82/350/400/at/2wd
alternator
when alternators first came out,to check if the alternator was working we would do what you did.pull the + cable.if the engine quit then it was a bad alternator.
but im not sure it is the same on alternators now.
but im not sure it is the same on alternators now.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Bedford Hts, Oh
Your battery is used only to start your vehicle and run accessories, when ignition is in ACC. The alternator is what actually keeps your vehicles power (12v) going. If you disconnect the NEG cable and it dies, it is your charging system. Since your vehicle starts, then it is not your ignition switch. A rule of thumb is that it happens in threes. If your alternator is bad then your battery will follow. Why?
Well, you are burning cells in your battery if you ran it until the vehicle died, and you have had to jump it. So, be prepared to bu a battery in the near future. Then comes the weird and a coins toss. Heads, the fan belt goes. Tails, the water pump. I have seen it. And, if your really lucky the starter will give you the finger. I have dealt with the neighbors and friends rides, the past year, five to be approx, and they all did the same. I do hope I am incorrect.
Well, you are burning cells in your battery if you ran it until the vehicle died, and you have had to jump it. So, be prepared to bu a battery in the near future. Then comes the weird and a coins toss. Heads, the fan belt goes. Tails, the water pump. I have seen it. And, if your really lucky the starter will give you the finger. I have dealt with the neighbors and friends rides, the past year, five to be approx, and they all did the same. I do hope I am incorrect.
