Charging issues.... need some advise.
 

Well, this seems quit odd. I can charge my battery full, putt it in my car, run it for about 2 weeks, and it will go dead.

I thought I had a drain, but I installed a battery terminal master switch and that didnt even help.

SO it has something to do with charging....

Im thinking maybe my alternator isnt charging or maybe isnt strong enough.

Can someone give me some advise as to what to do?

thanks

Check the voltages & connections at the alternator & the battery.

To test- with the engine running & the headlights on:
Alternator output post to ground should show about 14 volts.
Measure the voltage drop from the alternator frame to the battery (-).
A good primary ground will show zero volts.
Measure the voltage drop from the alternator output post to the battery (+).
That should also show zero.

Take the battery to a parts store & have them load check it.

First, get the battery load tested.
It might charge nicely, but when loaded it can fall flat on it's face.
Also, an alternator load test would be nice.

Seconds, do a current test to make sure you're not getting any weird current draws with the car off.  This might not help you, as with the cut-off switch, this eliminates any possibility of something sucking the battery dry with the engine off. :(


-Ted

woud a slipping belt be the problem. My chargin voltage flunktuates a lot. mostly 13.5v +- 0.5v. Ill check what sureshot suggested.



GIL

Anything below 13.5 is not gonna charge the battery properly, especially if you're taking fairly short trips between starts. The voltage regulator in the alt is not doing it's job if the voltage fluctuates a full volt at idle speeds & above...What does the voltage read with a load on (headlights, e-fan, etc...)?