WHATS DRAINING MY BATTERY

[komet]

Over the last few weeks i have had problems starting my van, i would charge it for 24 hours and the van will only just have enough power to start, it was very weak tho.

Yesterday i took my year old battery back to halfords, which they kindly exchanged for a new one, i connected the battery yesterday and all seemed well (i didnt drive the van or use lights/radio i just left it on the drive)

This morning i started the van but again it seemed very weak, this evening i tried to start it but there was very little power in it, not even enough to turn over the starter motor (starter motor was replaced last month)

Does anyone have any idea what could be draining the power , could it be a faulty alternator draining the battery, as this is only running at 12v rather than 14v (there is no radio in the van so it cant be that

Any ideas are greatly appreciated

[tonytech]

If the alternator is only putting out 12V it isnt charging your battery.

With the engine off, disconnect the earth terminal of the battery. Connect a test meter on Amps range or a 12V bulb from the battery to the chassis. if the bulb lights or you get a reading of over 0.5 Amp you have a drain on the battery.

Pull fuses until the reading or bulb goes out.

T

[Westy.Club.Joker]

AS Tony says.

Worth a try at a quick fix is replacing the regulator/brush pack in the Alty. they are about £10, takes 2 minutes to replace, only 2 screws. Fixed mine with same low charge fault. Standard Bosch regulators are same across all the altys

[komet]

Thanks for the advice

I disconnected the battery and fully charged it, then i connected the battery but also disconnected the leads from the alternator and left it about 10 hours, i then tried to start the van which it did with no problem there was no drain on the battery, will check connections on alternator and replace it if needed.

Cheers

[tonytech]

NEVER run the engine with the battery or alternator disconnected It will kill the alternator.

If you tested as above and found no drain, then I'd say change the regulator on the alternator.

T