Commercial Haulers ! ! ??

[R C Cola]

I put about 100k per/yr on. My last two batteries have lasted about 2 yrs

each. Same symptons ea. time. Battery is overgharging. New regulator. Tested alternator is Ok. Charging at 16V steady and boiling the water out of the battery. Does high miliage per/yr shorten the life expectancy time frame ? If not why does the Regulator allow 16v to the battery when the tech sheet says it will allow 15. 1V Max ? R C

 

[MMeier]

On a 91, is the regulator part of the computer like it was in '93 or a seperate unit... like the good ol' days.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

RC Cola you could try unplugging the battery sensor(s). I was told they will charge more slowly when they do not have a temperature signal which is more suited for over the road driving. By default they charge quickly more suited for people who stop and start the engine often. Don't know if it is correct but I don't think it could hurt. EDIT Oops didn't notice you had a 91, not even sure they have battery temp sensors?

 

[R C Cola]

Battery test ?

NAPA tested the battery this am and said it is bad. Replaced free on 18 mo. warr. This batt. was 14 mo old. I still suspect something may have caused the batt to go out.



R C

 

[PatrickCampbell]

did you check on the battery temp sensor? It is usually at the bottom of the tray I think.



http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...80&page=2&pp=15&highlight=battery+temp+sensor

 

[R C Cola]

Battery Temp Sensor ? ? ?

Patrick Cannot seem to locate wires or sensor anywhere near battery and I only have one. The site referred to indicated 2 Batteries. Tried replacing the regulator just as a test today, same readings. R C

 

[MMeier]

I don't think first gen trucks had the sensor, do not remember my 93 having one, may be wrong, anyone else?

 

[ThrottleJockey]

RC,



Add an external voltage regulator.

 

[R C Cola]

Regulator

My regulator which has been changed 4 times now is located on the firewall.

Do not know if one is in the alternator, but doubt it since when I disconnect the regulator on the firewall voltage at the batt drops to 12. 5v.

Thanks guys all ideas are appreciated. R C

 

[Berrigan]

RC This is a wierd one. Did you check bat volts with an accurate VOM? The dash gage may be off. Also on your first gen the regulator on the firewall is directly behind the turbo. This was a problem back then. The heat coming off the turbo from heavy towing would go straight back and cook the regulator. Some put heat shields on there regulators and others relocated them completely. You might try posting in the first gen forum. If you are always at 16v I would think it has to be the regulator or a field circuit problem. Let us know what you find. Bill

 

[R C Cola]

Electrical ?

Finally fixed. Thanks for all the help. Found a fuse that when you pick it up and look at it it looks fine. But nothing would flow thru it. Replaced. Found 2 grounds that were corroded and rusty, fised them. Now charges at 14. 7 volts and everything works the way it is supposed to. RC Oo.

 

[MMeier]

Cool deal !!!!!