Battery charging question?

[M54a2weasel]

My truck is dieing every two days! Did i hook the batteries up right? I have also included a picture of my alternator,, every one keeps saying there is a screw to turn the alternator down...where is it? I also have been having an issue with the animeter(the battery charging gauge on the dash) when ever i am driving it the needle is past the red on the right what do i do?

 

[doghead]

Your batteries are connected correctly.

The voltage regulator adjustment is in the hole that is to the left of that little cover that has the yellow Warning sticker. You use a small screwdriver to make the adjustment. I would adjust it to get 28V.


Have you used a digital multi meter to confirm your voltage? Do it with the engine off and after starting(running), and compare them. You need to see more when running.

I've seen several dash instruments that read incorrectly.

 

[WillWagner]

Verify the gauge is correct. Disconnect the batteries and load test them seperately, you might have a bad cell.

 

[cranetruck]

As stated above a bad cell or sulfated batteries may be your problem.
Image below from the PS magazine section, which has its own search function if you are looking for something specific...

Edit (about misreading instruments): The electrical gauges on the dash are grounded via the 1/4-turn fasteners and the mounting clamp of each instrument, so make sure a good return path is provided for the instruments. The second image shows what I did for grounding and with a dedicated wires to the battery from those connections (already present on the xm757).
The 3rd image shows instrument grounding clamp. (Note, the ribbed rubber connector is for the sending unit, not "hot" as indicated in this PS magazine illustration)

 

[M35Brown]

This has been gone over in great detail in the Deuce section.
The main thing said, is a bad diode in the alternator causes this.
Also check for current draw with everything off.
I installed a Cat Master switch in my Deuce, and have had no more problems, and it gives me a key that can be removed when left in a parking lot.

 

[steelandcanvas]

I would recommend downloading an Operator's Manual and reading it. You might be overlooking some of the basics of your Deuce.

 

[emr]

And recomend reading the bazillion posts on this,

 

[cranetruck]

And recommend reading the bazillion posts on this,

The trick is to add a little something each time a question is repeated, so that the subject is allowed to expand. Otherwise, this will turn into a very boring forum with nothing but references to old threads and/or TMs, IMHO.