Electrical issues M1008

[CPYoung66]

I have an ‘84 M1008 and cannot hold a charge....I’ve replaced both batteries 2x, had 1 bad alternator rebuilt but if I don’t start/ run it every 2-3 weeks it goes flat. There is some sort of electrical “leakage” but I have no idea where to look or how to track it down. It’s become such a PITA, I’m considering converting to 12v just so I can jump start it with another vehicle.
all lights off, hood 24v solar trickle charger works, and the “all off” switched next to the black out light switch.
any thoughts suggestions appreciated

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Well, either you have a bad alternator (they can leak) or you have a parasitic draw somewhere else. The steps for running it down are the same whether you have a CUCV or a Lamborgi..Lamborgh.... Nevermind. A CUCV or a Ford truck.

There are a bunch of good videos on it on the Tube.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+find+a+parasitic+battery+drain

 

[cucvrus]

I have an ‘84 M1008 and cannot hold a charge....I’ve replaced both batteries 2x, had 1 bad alternator rebuilt but if I don’t start/ run it every 2-3 weeks it goes flat. There is some sort of electrical “leakage” but I have no idea where to look or how to track it down. It’s become such a PITA, I’m considering converting to 12v just so I can jump start it with another vehicle.
all lights off, hood 24v solar trickle charger works, and the “all off” switched next to the black out light switch.
any thoughts suggestions appreciated

Converting it to 12 volt is not the answer. Do you have Gen 1 and Gen 2 idiot lamp when you turn the key on? That is where you start. i just had a plow truck converted to self exciting voltage regulators and now the lights don't have to work and the system charges as designed. Converting something that doesn't work to begin with is like crushing the vehicle and trying to rebuild it again in a different way and have the same results. You still have the same issues and more issues now with a different voltage instead. Good Luck. Happy Holidays. May I suggest you pay a knowledgeable person to do the repairs?

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Converting it to 12 volt is not the answer. ... You still have the same issues and more issues now with a different voltage instead.

Yep.

And to top it off, the TMs and people here won't be able to help you because it's all different.

 

[cagosti]

Make sure your convoy night lites are not on

 

[cucvrus]

Make sure your convoy night lites are not on

What are convoy night lights?

 

[Keith_J]

What are convoy night lights?

Blackout marker and brake lights. These are LED. The front drive light over the bridge plate holder is the blackout drive light.

These are 5 MPH max speed lights, only useable on moonless nights.

 

[Keith_J]

To find the parasitic drain, rule out the fuse circuits by pulling fuses one at a time, then using a voltmeter set in the amperage measurement mode as the "fuse". Do this key off.
There are a few diodes in the circuits which could draw a few miliamperes in reverse bias.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

What are convoy night lights?

Right here, Rick!

 

[cucvrus]

Right here, Rick!

Scary. This same thought came to my mind when I read convoy lights. I was the group leader in the micro bus. Imagine that? Happy Holidays. You wanna give me a 10-9 on that?

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

10-4, good buddy!

Catch ya on the flip flop!