Battery Drain: SOLVED!

"BJohnson11" (brettjohnson01)
03/02/2014 at 15:38 • Filed to: truck project

With the help of a former mechanic buddy and his expensive multimeter, I was able to finally hunt down and fix my wicked battery drain in my 74 C10. The issue boiled down to the two wires that run to the alternator's internal regulator were crossed, and while the alternator was still able to charge the battery like that, it was also having current running constantly through it. Switched the wires, only saw 7 mA draw to the battery (was 320+ mA before the fix). Celebration is in store. Go to picture of my truck for your enjoyment.

DISCUSSION (8)

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > BJohnson11
03/02/2014 at 15:40

I really hope you're not planning to paint the truck.

BJohnson11 > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey
03/02/2014 at 15:52

Not for awhile. I need to fix the rust, so it'll probably be a combo of red, white, rust, black (from the patch panels) and a couple different shades of primer grey. Maybe, maybe paint a couple years down the road. but by that time, I might sell it and be on to a different project.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > BJohnson11
03/02/2014 at 16:32

I was just really hoping it wasn't getting a full refresh. It looks awesome as it is.

BJohnson11 > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey
03/02/2014 at 16:38

Thanks. I really dont have the budget for a full restoration, and I agree that it looks bad ass as is, so for now, it'll stay unpainted.

Big Bubba Ray > BJohnson11
03/02/2014 at 16:43

Congrats on getting it fixed! I love seeing that truck, its bad ass.

BJohnson11 > Big Bubba Ray
03/02/2014 at 16:54

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. With this issue fixed, I can a) start leaving my battery connected overnight and b) actually start getting to work on replacing sheet metal.

I'm also selling a 350 and muncie I had waiting for another project that fell through, and with the profits from that, I'm thinking it might be time for a LSD. We'll see. Hopefully Oppo will be seeing more of this truck in the future.

Big Bubba Ray > BJohnson11
03/02/2014 at 16:57

Awesome. Good luck with the work and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you do to the truck!

shop-teacher > BJohnson11
03/02/2014 at 21:46

I love the truck. That's my favorite bodystyle. My dad had an electric blue '79 K10 when I was little. Still my favorite truck ever.