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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 11 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 11 | 1964 Chevy C10, 230ci, powerglide. Somewhere there is a power draw that when the truck sits for a week the battery goes dead. Battery is in good condition. How do I track down this draw?
I am not an automotive electrical genius, but tracking this down can't be that hard. Thx in advance.
Rick
Rick
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | a quick check is to just disconnect the battery + cable while watching closely for a slight spark, which would indicate something active .... do you have a modern radio with presets? do you have a generator, or an alternator with idiot light?
Bill | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 | "Battery is in good condition." That belief has gotten more than one person on the wrong track. You can disconnect battery prior to a one week rest and see if it goes down anyway. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 11 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 11 | Bill, truck had modern radio but no presets. Also has alternator.
Rick
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | alternators can cause battery drain under some conditions, although I can't tell you how or how to check it - someone should come along and clarify
Bill | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | The simplest way to check an alternator for parasitic drain is to disconnect the main charging wire for a few days. The connector will be hot, so insulate the terminal with a few wraps of tape. If the battery stays hot, you've found your drain- - - -the alternator rectifier diodes.
If you're running the original-equipment alternator, the remote regulator can cause a battery drain also. If disconnecting the big lead at the alternator doesn't help, try disconnecting the 4-wire plug at the regulator.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 45 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 45 | You might find it with a simple test light. Detach either battery cable. Attach the light between the battery and cable. It should burn if there is a draw. Find the circuit by pulling fuses one at a time and checking the light. Rustys link works the same but advises using a meter.
You may have to search some after finding the guilty circuit to pinpoint the drain.
I'm no expert, this is something I remember from a tech tip I read somewhere.
Good luck.
All you can do is all you can do.
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