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Voltage Regulator?
#332029 October 07th 2009 3:14 pm
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hey guys, my battery is draining completely if I let the van sit for longer than two days. Not over night, but two nights without running it will drain the battery. I am thinking it is the voltage regulator (or could be the alternator, but I don't think so cause the light is not coming on).

where the f is the voltage regulator? anyone have a pic? I bought one of the manuals and there is no picture and no discussion of the voltage regulator anywhere in the freakin' book (useless). (There are two likely candidates, in my view, right by the battery: One is to the left of the battery and over the passenger wheel well, the other is mounted on the other side of the front of the van/grill, right in front of the battery ... has to be one of these, right?). Kragen has replacements super cheap. I'd rather do it myself if I can. Thanks. I tried to do a search, but vannin'com search feature seemed to stop being helpful when they changed the format all those years ago.

Last edited by sk8punk69; October 07th 2009 3:15 pm.

1969 A108 /6 727 Rat Van
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1973 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1985 Econoline E-150 (gone)
Re: Voltage Regulator?
sk8punk69 #332032 October 07th 2009 3:22 pm
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On my early, when I replaced my alt, it was recommended (Haynes, replacement alt documentation, other forums and meybe this one) to replace the external voltage regulator at the same time... I tried to cheap out, but ultimately ended up buying a VR too.

If the alt is internally regulated, the point is moot. There may be an opportunity to upgrade to a newer higher-output alt with one-wire configuration... my direct swap bumped me up to a 65 amp, but of course you can get over 100 amps with a one-wire... just a thought. I'm not experienced with it, but a stereo installer or another vanner may be familiar...

PS. You should be able to test for a drain at your alt by hooking up a voltmeter between your disconnected neg bat cable and terminal, and then unplugging your alt connector... if needle zeroes, there's your short / drain.

Last edited by sasktrini; October 07th 2009 3:24 pm. Reason: test alt

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Re: Voltage Regulator?
sasktrini #332036 October 07th 2009 3:36 pm
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Could be bad cell in battery..my 92 was doing this a couple weeks ago and I replaced battery..


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Re: Voltage Regulator?
vanatic05 #332076 October 07th 2009 5:39 pm
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Have the battery fully charged and then load tested. This will determine if the battery is good or not. Other than than you have a dead short somewhere that is draining the battery.


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Re: Voltage Regulator?
NateB #332192 October 08th 2009 7:28 am
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What they said! The 85 should have the regulator built into the alternator. It's most likely not the problem tho, if it runs and starts fine daily. Your drain while parked is either the battery or a short.


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Re: Voltage Regulator?
Superbeast #332941 October 11th 2009 4:42 pm
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thanks, guys. the battery is brand new (March or April of this year).

the truck is making some weird noise when I run it. it comes and goes. it sounds like a moped horn (i.e. some weak horn sound). from the cab, it sounds like the right hand side (over by where the air cleaner is ... not sure if there is something over there that would be electrical and going out?). it's a weird sound and it started doing this before the battery died, so they must be related.

it died on me last night when I tried to move it and I had driven it the day before, so ... not sure what the issue is. if I can get it started, I am going to take it to my mechanics tomorrow and have him check it out for me. I was set to bring it to him the day after I got into my accident, but ... obviously, I was in no shape to drive then. even now, it [censored] hurts to steer and stuff (bruised ribs).

Last edited by sk8punk69; October 11th 2009 4:44 pm.

1969 A108 /6 727 Rat Van
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1973 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1985 Econoline E-150 (gone)
Re: Voltage Regulator?
sk8punk69 #333033 October 11th 2009 10:24 pm
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Could be the alternator making a whine running under a full load.


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Re: Voltage Regulator?
Ghetto Rat #334815 October 17th 2009 4:55 pm
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yeah, I need to get it checked. it is now not holding a charge over night, so I suspect that is it. I might see if I can get it tested at Kragen. it's not hard to swap out an alternator.


1969 A108 /6 727 Rat Van
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1973 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1985 Econoline E-150 (gone)
Re: Voltage Regulator?
sk8punk69 #334889 October 17th 2009 9:55 pm
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well, i went to kragen and they said both the battery and alternator were fine. something else is draining it. not sure what. pain in the ...


1969 A108 /6 727 Rat Van
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1973 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1974 Chevy Shorty (gone)
1985 Econoline E-150 (gone)
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