1987 Ford F-150 Two dead batteries?

Tiny
HOBBSW
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 FORD F-150
1987 Ford F-150 280,000 miles
for about a month my car's battery meter has been in the red zone, at 0v. Recently, I had to replace the battery because one morning the truck wouldnt even crank. I put a brand new optima yellow top in, and today it died, so I am in the process of recharging it. I dont know what could cause so much voltage drain on such a seemingly "tough" battery to wear out. I didnt do anything out of the ordinary when I was driving it. When I turn the key now, nothing happens. The battery is shows 8.4v and the engine cranks twice slowly then cuts off. When it does start it misfires and after I shut it off I cant start it back up for at least an hour. I have a feeling that all these problems are related to one bad part but I cant figure out what part it is.
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Sunday, June 4th, 2006 AT 1:55 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
SYNCRAIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 235 POSTS
First off check your alternator belt and see if it is loose or cracked on either side if not remove the alternator and have it tested im going to bet its not putting out enough voltage you can get it tested for free at most parts stores now
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Monday, June 5th, 2006 AT 6:31 AM
Tiny
KJDIZZI
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CHECK THE STARTER SOLENIOD AND THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
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Monday, June 5th, 2006 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
HOBBSW
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The starter solenoid is brand new, and I am not sure if I have a voltage regulator. I just put a new powermaster 140amp 1 wire alternator and I dont know if it has a voltage regulator in it or not. Thanks for the advice. I also just replaced the belt so its not that.
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Monday, June 5th, 2006 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
LSUSSEL
  • MECHANIC
  • 252 POSTS
Its the amp that is causing this trouble. Did you wire it correctly?
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Tuesday, June 6th, 2006 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
HOBBSW
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Its wired correctly as far as I know, but that's not very far. I have the amp fused less than 18 inches from the battery, running 4 gauge directly from the positive post to a capacitor, then to the amp. The capacitor and amp are grounded within an inch of eachother. I did notice that if I put the truck in park, rev the engine, the voltage output from the alternator doesnt go up. Does that mean I need/should replace the voltage regulator?
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Tuesday, June 6th, 2006 AT 11:03 PM
Tiny
HOBBSW
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Today I went out to start the truck and the battery was drained again. Anyone have any idea what is causing this?
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Wednesday, June 7th, 2006 AT 6:32 PM

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