Draining this old man dry.....

[jbohall001]

In my poor old 70' model with a 302, there seems to be a problem. This is the 3rd battery I have tried, and I did the test to check for open circuits. But for what ever reason, its draining batteries dead. Someone, anyone, please help a guy out. Whats the problem here?

[basketcase0302]

An "old school" trick is to pull the all your fuses. Put them back into the panel one at a time in the dark and to watch for an arc when putting them back in. Keeping the door switches closed, and I've also read that a radio will have current draw regardless if turned on or off, (due to a capacitor)? How about stereo amps or other electrical devices? What else has been added to the truck over the years?
Hope it helps.

[jbohall001]

there is absolutely nothing in the truck. Its a stripped truck being restored. And all the fuses have been pulled out and it still drains the battery.

[cep62]

How long does it take to drain them?
How good are they to begin with?

[jbohall001]

Judging from what the meter showed, I would estimate that they would go dead within 45 to an hour. Roughly. All three batteries are brand new, properly charged optima red tops that I bought the fleet. It sucks every single one down. Even tried the Duralast from autozone that has been in my car for a year. Sucked it dry.

[fordman]

the radio does get straight battery power. so if it is hooked up pull the inline fuse. you obviouly have a leak in one of the circuts. you will just have to keep looking or look again the same stuff over and over again. check all your bulbs maybe one of them is crossing over to one of the other elements in one of the dual element bulbs. it can be anywhere. i dont know if a bad starter winding could be crossing over and doing this or not. i dont think it can as the power to the starter is cut off after the solenoid disengauges. maybe in the alternator or regulator something is crossing over

[basketcase0302]

Wow, that's a pretty quick drain to pull a battery down that fast.
I'd try to eliminate things one at a time to find the drain, maybe ohm out the resistance wiring also.
Maybe TF or someone else can pipe in here to help!

[Thunderfoot]

Yes, that is a very LARGE drain, you will probably be able to find it by feeling for a warm wire! I would suspect the alternator or possibly the voltage regulator causing this problem. I would start by unpluging the Voltage Regulator and see if the battery still drains, if it doesn't replace it. If it still does then I would disconnect the BATT wire on the alternator and see what happens.
The other thing to check would be the Starter Solenoid, to check this unbolt it from the fender and see if the drain stops, or if you have a test light or voltage meter check if there is voltage from battery ground to the metal housing of the starter solenoid. There shouldn't be any with it just sitting there.
Let us know how this goes.

[jbohall001]

Ok, I will soon as I can. It will be Sunday though cause I am on a trip to Arkansas. I went black Friday shopping at the tool store so I should have everything I need

[jp2005]

What ever happen with this issue? Just wanna know

[71highboy]

me too

[Mancar1]

I've been wondering if you resolved the issue.

[jbohall001]

Sorry guys. I actually havent been able to work on the truck. I got a new job and im transferring colleges so i have been super busy

[seattle67]

No, no, no! You can't let real life get in the way of our entertainment. Where are your priorities man???

[mrsnicks]

Had the same problem. Pulling the fuses didn't help locate the problem. I had a bad diode in the alternator that was causing it to drain down. Had to get a friend of mine to put a meter on it and test with and without the voltage regulator (also bad) and the alternator to find the problem.

Patrick