Battery drain issue
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Battery drain issue
I have been having issues with cold starting. I replaced all the glow plugs and was able to get it started today. I got almost to my destination and the battery was down to 8 v. I am having the batterys charged right now and hope to be able to make it back to the houst tomorow. any suggestions as to what would be likely to be the drain. I suspect it may be either the glowplug relay or the system to turn it on/off. truck ran normally prior
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
What is the charge rate at the battery........ put a volt meter between the posts. engine running. Always check charging system output at an engine rpm of 1500 or greater. Expect about 14 to 14.5 Volts. Not much more or less.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
What year is your truck?
When you start the engine, glow plugs draw 200 amps, then the starter draws 300 amps.
Now turn on the heater probably, use the brakes and turn signals, turn on headlights possibly.
If the alternator is not charging your freshly charged batteries will soon be discharged.
When you start the engine, glow plugs draw 200 amps, then the starter draws 300 amps.
Now turn on the heater probably, use the brakes and turn signals, turn on headlights possibly.
If the alternator is not charging your freshly charged batteries will soon be discharged.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
94 f350, it was raining wth foggy windows so it would be possible that the alt is dead. will have to see. my dvm died yesterday so I am not sure about charge voltages. I will be quite frusterated if the plugs did stay on but wouldent be suprised.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
If the plugs stayed on constantly, they would have burned out soon after the engine started, and there would have been no draw on the battery.
It is much more likely that you have either a bad connection in the charging system or a bad alternator.
It is much more likely that you have either a bad connection in the charging system or a bad alternator.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Just got done checking and its the alternator 
looks like im gona be going to the parts store again
its possible the alt connection needs cleaning but I suspect it will be new alt time
looks like im gona be going to the parts store againits possible the alt connection needs cleaning but I suspect it will be new alt time
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Got any friends there?
You will have.
When you figure insurance, payments and taxes on a new vehicle, you sure can change a lot of parts on an older vehicle and still be ahead of the game.
You will have.
When you figure insurance, payments and taxes on a new vehicle, you sure can change a lot of parts on an older vehicle and still be ahead of the game.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
I hear ya Dave just wish I could keep this 
thing reliable. I need it for my farm so its not good if it keeps dying every time I need it oh well I dont have to many more consumable parts to go. checking the rear braks a full fluid change, new tires and cleaning up the prior owners mess of electrical work left.
thing reliable. I need it for my farm so its not good if it keeps dying every time I need it oh well I dont have to many more consumable parts to go. checking the rear braks a full fluid change, new tires and cleaning up the prior owners mess of electrical work left.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Once you get all the neglected maintenance caught up, you will have a very reliable truck.
Electrical system, return line system, fuel injection system and glow plug system are critical as temps get lower.
Electrical system, return line system, fuel injection system and glow plug system are critical as temps get lower.
