Voltage leaks (how to find?)

[Dharma Van]

So our 79 has a new battery and been working like a champ until recently the battery died without leaving anything on accidentally.  I jumped started it and it was fine until I tried to restart 20 min later. I did find a fired wire going into the regulator which was shorting on the metal body. I re-insulated and how it's fine for about 4 days and then the battery losses charge. Is my voltage leak in the regulator (should I replace it?) I also installed an aux battery at the same time (my bus is a 79) and didnt have problems initially until about 1 month after the aux was installed. The charge on the aux is fine and charged via solar controller. I tried to run without the aux to see if it contributes and the main batt still looses charge after 3-4 days.

using an amp meter do I need to trace all the circuits?

[busboss]

Did your battery problems start after your aux install?  Sounds like it to me from your description and timing of the problem.  You may have to retrace and double check your wiring for the aux.  Sounds like you've got at least one pair of wires installed in a reverse fashion.

[Dharma Van]

reverse fashion? not sure how. My solar system keeps my aux battery 100% charged constantly. It's the starting battery that looses juice after 3-4 days. My solar controller can charge two batteries so I put a second charge on the starting battery this weekend. With a full battery charged by the solar panel, after driving it I lose some charge (25%) on the starting battery. I think my alternator is dead, I just replaced the voltage controller. When the van runs, I measure the voltage on the starting battery and it goes up to 14 volts so I assume its charging via the alternator. I think I have to test my alternator to see if it's trully putting juice out.

[Bill Witz]

Dharma Van said:

reverse fashion? not sure how. My solar system keeps my aux battery 100% charged constantly. It's the starting battery that looses juice after 3-4 days. My solar controller can charge two batteries so I put a second charge on the starting battery this weekend. With a full battery charged by the solar panel, after driving it I lose some charge (25%) on the starting battery. I think my alternator is dead, I just replaced the voltage controller. When the van runs, I measure the voltage on the starting battery and it goes up to 14 volts so I assume its charging via the alternator. I think I have to test my alternator to see if it's trully putting juice out.

[Dharma Van]

Bill?

[Bill Witz]

Try turning your on lights, 4 ways radio ect . Run the engine a low rpm and fast rpm measure volatge. make sure cables are clean and tight.Is it amaintance free battery? If not, check water level if you can see the cells ( water below cells)it may be junk. take it in and get it tested. If you have 14v  with engine  on with out any  accessores  on you could have a draw.

 

Bill Witz 84 westy tiico "Old Paint"

[charlie cintron]

hello- i am an electrician,hi/voltage commercial/industrial buildings. hook up a voltmeter to the battery[vehicle ignition off, and NOT running],,,read the voltage, then pull OFF one fuse at a time,,,when the voltage changes, [goes up a volt], there is your problem. isolate that fuse, find out what it serves, then you have the culprit. usually a wire in that circuit grounded/shorted]..i hope this helps...its cheaper than taking it in...2nd shot is to test the battery/alternator. but this 1st test is easier than removing parts.....[veedubyuh82, at youtube]