Battery draw if terminals left hooked up.

ryanwheelock · Jul 15, 2010

Question, I'm working on a 2N and it will kill the battery if the cables are left hooked up. Takes a day or 2 to run it down. What would you recommend I start checking with volt/amp meter to find what is drawing it down. I would post this on the ford forum but I'm NOT a Ford guy and would forget to check there for responses. I know the simple fix it to put a cut-out switch right at the battery terminals but the guy wants to know what is drawing it down. It has a key switch and a push-button solenoid to start it. All so has front lights and a rear taillight (red) and rear work light (like front lights). Just looking for a little guidance on what to check and how-volts/amps????
Thanks
Ryan

old · Jul 15, 2010

6 or 12 volt??? Alternator or generator??? Need more info to be able to help you much. If a gen. probably sticking Volt reg points. If alternator probably bad V.R in it

Bob · Jul 15, 2010

Bottom line is disconnect ONE battery cable and connect a (low wattage) test light between the disconnected battery cable and the battery post.

If there's much "draw" at all it will light.

Then, start disconnecting electrical components one at a time and note when the light goes out.

If this is a 12 Volt conversion with an alternator that's the most likely culprit. (Defective or mis-wired.)

Generators (if the cutout is bad) cause a BIG drain, a HOT generator and the battery does dead more quickly than what you are describing.

Bob Bancroft · Jul 15, 2010

Keep in mind that only components live all the time should be culprits- That SHOULD rule out any lighting. I've seen ammeters with a "milliamp" leak to ground.

Bob · Jul 15, 2010

Light switches filled with moist dirt/debris can cause "leakage", as well.

buickanddeere · Jul 15, 2010

If it's discharging the battery due to a high resistance short circuit instead of a failing battery. That often happens before she really shorts and burns down the tractor and shed.

Bob Bancroft · Jul 15, 2010

Hence, the word SHOULD. It does seem at times working on things that ANYTHING is possible!

PopinJohn · Jul 15, 2010

I made up a test ammeter, 30-0-30, with some leads and alligator clips. With one battery cable disconnected, I clip one lead to the battery post and the other lead to the cable, then observe whether there is a reading. On first try, I watch carefully to see if the ammeter goes past 30 amps in case there is a really bad short somewhere. The ammeter is have has 2 amp increment markings. Any draw at all will discharge the battery given enough time.

souNdguy · Jul 15, 2010

you still should have posted in the ford N forum.. more experts over there for these machines.

is it a gen or alternator?

soundguy

Battery draw if terminals left hooked up.

ryanwheelock

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old

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Bob

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Bob Bancroft

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Bob

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buickanddeere

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Bob Bancroft

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PopinJohn

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souNdguy

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