Deuce electric power drain

[poppop]

My Duece starting draining the batterys several weeks ago. When I disconect a battery cable and touch it back to the post I get a little spark. I started disconnectiog things until the spark went away. It seems the alternater is the problem. I replaced it with a take out I got from papabear with the same results. Both charge great but produce that spark at the batterys when hooked up. I have one more alt to try and see if itis good. I have been disconnecting the batterys when I am not using the truck but is agrivating to have to do that all the time. My question is this, can I run the big power lead that goes to the alternater into the cab and put a disconnect switch there to break the power to the alternater?? If i do that and someone starts the truck without suppling power to the alternater will that burn up the alternater?? Does anyone know what part in the alternater will cause this problem?? I am assuming it is the voltage regulater as I have had that problem with regular trucks. Does anyone have any insight on this??

 

[doghead]

I would say you need to replace the rear cover(has all the solid state stuff in it) of your alternator. I think CME has those available. Maybe Erik's Mil Surplus too. http://eriksmilitarysurplus.com/reasforam60a.html

I would suggest a battery disconnect on the negative cable.

 

[poppop]

Thanks Eric, I saw your link to CME but they do not say if they sell to us little guys. Maybe have to email them and see

 

[doghead]

I beleive they do.

Eriks site says their out, but it gives you all the info you should need.

I have had the same issue you're having and that solved my drain.

 

[Pooch1128]

As far as your question about running the main cable that goes to the alt. inside the cab with a switch, that's exactly what we did on our M35A2. As far as cranking the truck switch off messing up the alt., our truck dosen't get anything with the switch off. Even when you put the accessories sitch to on there is nothing till you turn on the "Battery Switch". We mounted the switch in the floor board under passenger seat over battery compartment for ease of install. No more drained batteries.

 

[poppop]

Pooch, that sounds great. I thought it would work like that. Thanks for the info.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Lloyd a simple batt disconnect between the ground and the batts will accomplish what you need. No need to spend time running wires from the alt to the dash switch and back. It makes it nice when you need to work on anything electrical, just throw the disconnect and you know you will not create any "arcs".

 

[bottleworks]

I would say you need to replace the rear cover(has all the solid state stuff in it) of your alternator. I think CME has those available. Maybe Erik's Mil Surplus too. Regulator Assembly For AMA5104UT 60 Amp 24 Volt Alternator, AMA2004AS

I would suggest a battery disconnect on the negative cable.

Doghead,
that is the regulator for the alternator. The rectifier is what fails and causes the key off battery drain problems. Those who install a battery disconnect and consider the problem solved are reducing your battery's lives. Your exposing your batteries to excessive A/C voltage.

 

[clinto]

I didn't know that-thanks Bottleworks.

 

[poppop]

Bottleworks, is the rectifier a separate part or is it in the voltage regulater assembly. I have been searching for info quite awhile today. I don't remember seeing a listing for rectifier in the parts breakdown.

 

[patracy]

A cheap solution and added security benefit is a battery disconnect. I've got one installed on my truck. The bonus is the fact that you can "turn off" the batteries by hand and a typical would be thief wouldn't have a clue how to start the truck. Especially if you lock the battery door. I think I paid $5 for mine at walmart.

Battery Disc Switch, Top Term, Brass - Battery Accessories - Automotive Electrical - Fleet and Vehicle Maintenance : Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[panshark]

if you decided to wire up an external (aftermarket) voltage regulator instead of scoring a replacement internal voltage regulator, would you have to build something extra to compensate for the rectifier?

 

[renovate7]

I just found I have been leaving my dash lights on. Even with the main power lever off these lights stay on. It's the bottom left lever on the light switch. You don't notice them during the day.

 

[marchplumber]

Bottleworks, is the rectifier a separate part or is it in the voltage regulater assembly. I have been searching for info quite awhile today. I don't remember seeing a listing for rectifier in the parts breakdown.

Was there ever an answer to this question? I too am having a power drain and I don't want to mischarge the batteries, so figured I would fix the problem, not just "stop" it. I can/will if necessary but would rather "get it done right". THANKS for your assistance!
God bless,
Tony