Charging Issue
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Tucson
Charging Issue
67 F-100, 352, 4spd
OK, here's the deal. I have a pretty new alternator and voltage regulator. My voltmeter (after-market) was indicating 14 volts or so when driving and everything worked fine. However, after sitting for awhile, the battery would only run the starter for a short time. In other words, the battery wasn't holding a charge. It's an old battery so I figured it was time for a new one.
Initially, I screwed up and got a battery with the poles mounted on opposite sides of the original. I wasn't paying attention and, as a result, dropped it in backwards. When I touched the cable onto the positive terminal, the system objected strongly with a big spark. I took out at least one fuse (my MP3 player, hope it's a fuse anyway). Anyhow, I got the right battery and installed it correctly.
So what's the problem. Well, I turn the key to the "on" position and the voltmeter indicates about 10 volts. I think,Profanity Removed!!! Then I start the truck (turns over just like it should) and drive off. Now the voltmeter indicates a little over 12 volts. AnotherProfanity Removed!!! After driving a few miles, the voltmeter climbs to the regular 14 volts at speed and drops to 12.5 to 13 at idle (650 rpm).
Could I have screwed up my voltage regulator, my alternator? Help!
jor
OK, here's the deal. I have a pretty new alternator and voltage regulator. My voltmeter (after-market) was indicating 14 volts or so when driving and everything worked fine. However, after sitting for awhile, the battery would only run the starter for a short time. In other words, the battery wasn't holding a charge. It's an old battery so I figured it was time for a new one.
Initially, I screwed up and got a battery with the poles mounted on opposite sides of the original. I wasn't paying attention and, as a result, dropped it in backwards. When I touched the cable onto the positive terminal, the system objected strongly with a big spark. I took out at least one fuse (my MP3 player, hope it's a fuse anyway). Anyhow, I got the right battery and installed it correctly.
So what's the problem. Well, I turn the key to the "on" position and the voltmeter indicates about 10 volts. I think,Profanity Removed!!! Then I start the truck (turns over just like it should) and drive off. Now the voltmeter indicates a little over 12 volts. AnotherProfanity Removed!!! After driving a few miles, the voltmeter climbs to the regular 14 volts at speed and drops to 12.5 to 13 at idle (650 rpm).
Could I have screwed up my voltage regulator, my alternator? Help!
jor
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Clemson SC
Charging Issue
Jor
Sounds like your charging system may be working correctly, but something in your truck is draining down your battery. I think Advanced Auto Parts will test your charging system for free.
If your charging system is working correctly have the guy at advanced leave the unit hooked up and turn everything off in your truck
including the ignition switch. Disconnect the amp probe and zero it and hook it back up. If you have a drain of over 1 amp and he is using a "Bear" tester it should detect it. If the drain is under 1 amp a low range clamp on amp probe with an audible alarm is the best tool for tracking down a parasitic drain. This is just my opinion
good luck.
Sounds like your charging system may be working correctly, but something in your truck is draining down your battery. I think Advanced Auto Parts will test your charging system for free.
If your charging system is working correctly have the guy at advanced leave the unit hooked up and turn everything off in your truck
including the ignition switch. Disconnect the amp probe and zero it and hook it back up. If you have a drain of over 1 amp and he is using a "Bear" tester it should detect it. If the drain is under 1 amp a low range clamp on amp probe with an audible alarm is the best tool for tracking down a parasitic drain. This is just my opinion
good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Charging Issue
Dash volt meters are not the highest quality measuring devices, especially if you are taking the voltage from behind the dash and not directly from the battery.
A good (enough) digital multi-meter is only about $20 at Radio Shack.
You should see 9.6+ volts while cranking, 12.6+ volts at rest, 13+ volts at idle, about 14 volts at fast idle with headlamps on.
A good (enough) digital multi-meter is only about $20 at Radio Shack.
You should see 9.6+ volts while cranking, 12.6+ volts at rest, 13+ volts at idle, about 14 volts at fast idle with headlamps on.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
johnaber
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
2
Jan 21, 2016 04:36 PM
roun2itamerica
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
1
Sep 22, 2014 11:12 AM
