Topic: Help Elec. problem

[vincesyota]

I have an 82 truck last used in Oct. I go out about once a week and start it, I have not had any elec. problems in the past.
Went out last week and the bat. was completly dead, (new optima less than a year old) charged it up and started the truck, went back about 5-6 hrs later and the bat. was low again and would barely turn the motor over.
When I remove the neg. cable and touch it to the bat. post I get a spark (mild). If I disconect the neg. cable and hook up my test light it will glow dull.

I've looked at all the wiring and don't see anything obvious, key not on, no lights on etc.

What is the best way to isolate the problem to figure out what circuit the problem is in? So I can narrow it down and find it.

How can I determine how much draw I have going on?

I'm not good at electricial


Thanks Vince

 

[86bobbedtoy]

stuck voltage regulator?

[emsvitil]

Put a amp meter (10-20) between the ground cable and battery ground.

See what the draw is.

Start pulling fuses and see when amps lower.........

[vincesyota [OP]]

 Thanks guys I'll check it out tomorrow.

[junya92toy]

Those batteries arent what they used to be, might be defective now too.

[86bobbedtoy]

x2, I now have more faith in a everstart,
optimas have gone down hill

[yoshaleng]

have you gone to your local kragen's or autozone and have you charging system tested? it's free.
I too have a redtop optima and it's 4yrs old, still works like a champ.

[vincesyota [OP]]

Found that my 1 of my vsv valves was staying energized, the problem is that is stoped  while
I was working on it. So I don't know if my EMC was the problem or what. So I guess I will have to wait to see if it does it again.

Any suggestions?