battery woes

[blazer7172]

I searched the forum for this and didnt really find any answers. This build is trying my patients to the very end. I have a brand new battery that seems to be getting zapped in no time flat. I thought is was the horn relay, but it turned out not to be? Is the voltage regulator a possible culprit? Give me some ideas please?

 

[bp71k5]

I searched the forum for this and didnt really find any answers. This build is trying my patients to the very end. I have a brand new battery that seems to be getting zapped in no time flat. I thought is was the horn relay, but it turned out not to be? Is the voltage regulator a possible culprit? Give me some ideas please?

Something is drawing power all the time so you'll need to find what it is. It could be anything that uses power. Could be a short somewhere too, but that would either pop a fuse or melt a wire.

Best bet would be to find out if anything works without the key in the ignition and look those things over or unplug them and see if the problem goes away.

 

[72BigBlazer]

Try pulling fuses until you find the circuit that is drawing the power. you can also use a digital multimeter in the amp setting and check the fuse block. (pull fuse and touch the two leads to the in and out of the fuse holder.

 

[GRINCH]

I would suspect the alternator/voltage requlator. Check the diodes on it and make sure they are not blown.

 

[bigblock72]

The alternator and regulator are where I'd start for sure. Unbolt the heavy wire from off of the alternator (please disconnect the battery first) and unplug the regulator and see if the problem goes away.

 

[bigbadchev84]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=33198

This might be a little quicker for you, especially if you have 2 people

 

[blazer7172]

It was the voltage regulator. One thing I will continue to say: if you are going to do a restoration, spend the money on a good wiring harness. I have done nothing but fight 38 year old wiring!!

 

[blazer7172]

Well I was wrong. I have replaced the voltage regulator and yes, the constant draw is gone. BUT..... my battery is not charging?? I had my alternator tested and it is fine. Brand new voltage regulator. Now what?? Ammeter in the dash?? The electrical in this thing is KILLING me!!

 

[bp71k5]

Well I was wrong. I have replaced the voltage regulator and yes, the constant draw is gone. BUT..... my battery is not charging?? I had my alternator tested and it is fine. Brand new voltage regulator. Now what?? Ammeter in the dash?? The electrical in this thing is KILLING me!!

probably killed the battery with the bad regulator.

 

[GRINCH]

Get the battery tested as well. Make sure you charge the battery before putting it back in. Using the alternator to charge a dead battery will kill your alternator. You should have around 14volts across your battery when the truck is running.

 

[blazer7172]

The battery is good. I even switched it out with a new one and still the same. I talked with a mechanic buddy of mine, and as I suspected, my next step is the ammeter in the dash. This would make sense, as some of the lights and gauges are not working in my dash as well. I'll just keep digging, but keep the suggestions coming. Thanks!!