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Old May 27, 2006 | 05:46 PM
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Electrical problems

Hey guys its been awhile.
1974 ford bronco 302 3-speed manual(column).
Ok so here it is, I have replaced my battery, starter solenoid, voltage regulator, and I have tested my alternator(good), my baby still won't keep a charge. I just hooked the battery up to a charger and when it gets fully charged I'm going to start her up and see if it will hold the charge since I just replaced the voltage regulator, if that doesn't work then what can it be? I have a good ground so I know thats not the porblem. I also know that our broncos don't have the best electrical systems put its really startin to be a pian in my butt. if anyone has any ideas or has had this happen to them before let me know. Thanks for the help guys.
 
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Old May 27, 2006 | 06:58 PM
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How did you test the Alternator?
 
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Old May 27, 2006 | 09:27 PM
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I'd wait until you see if the voltage regulator solved the problem before you worry about it.
 
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Old May 28, 2006 | 01:03 AM
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I would check for an electrical drain. With all electrical turned off, remove the neg cable from the battery and put a test light between the neg cable and the neg battery terminal. If the light lights up, you have a draw somewhere.

I'm sure you checked to insure that the alternator belt is adjusted properly.
 
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Old May 28, 2006 | 01:56 AM
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A radio can cause a small electrical drain for the channel memory that will activate a test light, disconnect it also. Use an ammeter in place of the test light above and keep pulling fuses until the drain goes away. If you are lucky it will be in some fuse controlled circuit. If not it is in the primary charging system wiring or even in the alternator although they should have tested for shorted diodes.
 
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Old May 28, 2006 | 07:29 PM
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Here's the battery drain test with the testlight. If the memory on the radio causes the testlight to light, it will be very very dim. A drain that you need to worry about will cause the light to be bright.

 
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Old May 28, 2006 | 09:01 PM
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check the fusible link coming off the starter solenoid to the alternator. I've been able to bend it or pinch it to find if it's broken. or check it with a volt meter.
 
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Old May 30, 2006 | 03:50 PM
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Thanks for the help guys all I needed was a new voltage regulator she's as good as new.
 
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