Slow battery discharge - tracing problem

[Jim Gaspard]

On my B3B driver (weekends only) I can go two, maybe three weeks before the battery is drained and can't crank the starter. It's a new 6 volt commercial battery. Either I have a drain on the battery from a short or the battery in not being recharged. This week at Pate/Texas Motor Speedway I bought a handheld analyzer that has a voltage reading. I checked the generator and it is generating 6.5 - 7.5 volts. Can I clip the analyzer to the voltage regulator to see if this charge is reaching the battery, or at the battery end what can I check to see if the battery is recieving the charge?

I can recharge the battery with a charger and I'm good for another two to three weeks, but that's getting old.

"Been there, done that" advice appreciated.

Jim Gaspard

Dallas

[TodFitch]

With the engine off, disconnect the battery and connect an ohm meter between the battery cables. It should read "infinite". It probably will not.

Disconnect one circuit at a time. Think of it as quality time under the dash.

After each disconnect check the battery cable resistance with the ohm meter.

When you find the circuit(s) that have low resistance, focus on them. Is the insulation worn? Are there bad switches? If it is the line to the voltage regulator and generator are the cut-out contacts opening?

[dmulhall]

thats the problem I had...but I only had a drain until

it seemed to cool down...the contacts on the voltage reg

took awhile to open, so I had to disconnect the battery all

the time when I shut it down...a little while later I could go

back and there was no more draw

[grey beard]

Simpler yet, just disconnect the positive (ground) cable and connect a voltmeter between the cable and the battery post. Set the meter to a low volt reading. There should be NO voltage showing. If there is, just let the meter connected and begin to disconnect individual circuits until you find the one that makes the reading happen. It's an easy one-man (or woman - equal opportunity type) job., LOL:)

[Don Coatney]

Simpler yet, just disconnect the positive (ground) cable and connect a voltmeter between the cable and the battery post. Set the meter to a low volt reading. There should be NO voltage showing. If there is, just let the meter connected and begin to disconnect individual circuits until you find the one that makes the reading happen. It's an easy one-man (or woman - equal opportunity type) job., LOL:)

Looks like this when there is a problem. This reading should be zero volts.