New guy - chargong problem
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New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
New guy - chargong problem
1989 F-250 dual batteries, recently dead. Got new batteries on warranty (only 14 mos old). Also noted decreased voltage on dash voltmeter AND temp guage not rising. Truck starts and runs normally (and warms up), but I am using the block heater and trickle chargers to ensure that I can get to work. Is it charging, and what's up with the temp guage?
Thanks,
LB
Thanks,
LB
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
It may well not be charging, but without further testing, it is a shot in the dark to say yes or no. You need to verify if it raises the voltage when running from 12 volt to at least 14 volt. Then we can go from there.
These diesels run pretty cool, so it isn't too much of a surprise that the gauge doesn't come up much.
These diesels run pretty cool, so it isn't too much of a surprise that the gauge doesn't come up much.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
What CCA were the new batteries....... we use 850 CCA minimum on both batteries. The charge rate should be checked with a volt meter.....13.8 is a good charge. If your letting the diesel idle expecting it to heat up forget it...... you need at least 1000rpm to heat them up and keep them warm.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
one thing you might want to watch is the voltage regulator if you havean external one i pulled an alternatoronce thinking it wasbad and it tested out fine turned out to be the VR I spent a long time pulling something when i could have spent five minutes and fixed my problems. my voltage meter on the dash was acting really wierd it would shoot up and down but not much and my battery light would come on if the truck was just idleing the temp gauge i don't know about because as stated the trucks don't hardly get that hot really mostly mine stays below "o" and thats heavy driving to get it that high although your thermostat might be stuck open, i also had this happen and it never got hot until it stuck closed at one point but really i wouldn't be to worried about the temp gauge unless it just doesn't move at all even after heavy driving
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
by the way the 89 does have the external regulator mounted on the right fender apron which is plastic the metal tray it is bolted too must be grounded to the body and the engine to work properly
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 919
Likes: 4
From: Newberg Oregon
I just cleaned the vr connector and lubed it with grease to stop corrosion and picked up a whole volt at the dash. Also run a ground wire from the alt to the vr, big help. If you have a 100 amp alternator the factory wire is way to small to carry the current, upsize it and add 2 fusible links to the solenoid end to maintain safety.
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