|
Author
|
Topic: Draining
|
Tim Cash
Gearhead Posts: 141
From: Clarksville, TN, U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2001
|
posted 09-29-2002 07:48 PM
   
I seem to have a problem with my battery keeping a charge. I had the battery tested - good. Then I went and had the alternator checked and they said it was good. Any suggestions on what to check next? I still think the alternator is not keeping up. When I have the lights on and the fan blower going, the volt meter is almost in the red. It usually runs about even.
IP: Logged |
Kyle
Gearhead Posts: 155
From: Sumner, WA
Registered: Dec 2001
|
posted 09-29-2002 07:59 PM
Did you have the alternator bench tested or checked while still on the car? When I worked at Schucks Auto, we had a small handheld machine that we weould take out to the car and do three tests on the charging system. One; load test the battery, two; test the alternator at idle and high RPM, no load, and three; test the alternator loaded at idle and high RPM. The first two tests would show up fine, and so would a bench test, but a load test on the car would say the alternator is bad. That kinda sounds like what you are saying. This is an internally regulated alternator, right? Just a thought.
IP: Logged |
Stewart
Moderator Posts: 8505
From: Monterey, CA Mustangsandmore Member #437
Registered: Apr 2000
|
posted 09-30-2002 04:43 PM
In addition to what Kyle posted, do you have underdrive pullies? Do you have an aftermarket stereo system with power consuming amps? Is your alternator the stock alternator?Stewart
IP: Logged |
Tim Cash
Gearhead Posts: 141
From: Clarksville, TN, U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2001
|
posted 10-01-2002 09:54 PM
Stewart, I have all of the above. Underdrive pullies, aftermarket stereo, and stock alternator.
IP: Logged |
Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 15755
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 10-02-2002 12:32 PM
Underdrive pulleys are never a good idea for a street car that sees a lot of idle miles.  ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator/ non 65-66 Mustang owner sensitivity co-ordinator NHRA/IHRA/SRA/MCA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Part time secret agent license #0089
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
IP: Logged |
Stewart
Moderator Posts: 8505
From: Monterey, CA Mustangsandmore Member #437
Registered: Apr 2000
|
posted 10-03-2002 03:28 PM
Tim, the 2G 75amp stock alternators are barely adequate for our Mustangs. When you add stereo systems and especially underdrive pulleys to the equation, more times than not you'll develop battery draining problems...like you're experiencing now.Much like needing subframe connectors, The fog light rewire fix, and the broken ashtray lid, one of the more common elements to our Mustangs is upgrading the alternator. Personally, I prefer the Pa-Performance 3G 130amp alternator. There are others out there, but when I priced the Pa-Performance alternator, it wasn't too much more than the remanned 3G 130amp units you can buy at Kragens or Autozone, plus the Pa-Performance unit is 100% new (nothing remanned), there is no core charge, and they have a lifetime warrantee. If you decide to go that route, you can check out their website at WWW.Pa-Performance.com Make sure you get their wire upgrade kit for the alternator too. It comes with EXCELLENT instructions and pictures to take all the hassle out of installation. Stewart
IP: Logged |
Tim Cash
Gearhead Posts: 141
From: Clarksville, TN, U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2001
|
posted 11-04-2002 08:14 PM
Update. I got a 3G Alternator gonna put it on this weekend. I charged the battery last Tuesday - started the car for about two minutes - turned it off and covered it. Went out this morning - car is completely dead, not even power locks. I am assuming that something is draining the battery. I am also assuming that it has something to do with when I tightened the steering column since that is when the horn went and the drain problem started. I took the cover off and it does not appear that any wires go throught the column at the point of where it was tightened at. Since that time however, as I said the horn is not working and when you put the tilt down, the relay clicks every now and again.
IP: Logged |
bubbastang
Journeyman Posts: 25
From: frederick, md,usa
Registered: Nov 2002
|
posted 11-22-2002 10:28 PM
did this just start. I mean have had any new electronics (amp or car alarm)intsaled. MY friend installed his amp with full power with key off.
IP: Logged |
Stewart
Moderator Posts: 8505
From: Monterey, CA Mustangsandmore Member #437
Registered: Apr 2000
|
posted 11-23-2002 12:08 AM
Tim, it does indeed sound as if you have a power draw on the battery. However, don't discount the fact that your battery, which has already been drained, then charged, then drained, then charged, might have given up the ghost and can only maintain a superficial charge. Even a new battery drained of power and left to sit too long can lose its ability to hold a charge.Stewart PS - I'd try to find the electrical problem in your column too.
IP: Logged |
Mustangsandmore Forums
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
