battery drain

[Van Diesel]

Something is killing my battery overnight. I have tried 2 different batteries and the same thing happens. I have recharged them and tried them again.

I used a multimeter to see if the volts went up or down when the engine was off vs after I started it. They wen down initially but went back up after a little idling. So my alternator is good. Not that that would kill it overnight but at first I didn't know that I had a parasitic drain.

Next I tried disconnecting the -ve lead on the battery and reading the amps between the -ve post and the -ve cable. I read online that (a general number for vehicles) was more than 25-50 milliamps was too much drain. I had 30milliamps and it slowly went down to 18 (it may have continued but this was over a period of 10-15 minutes). During this time, I pulled each fuse to see if the amps changed. And they didn't. I don't know what is causing this drain. It's only recently started, less than a week ago.

Does anyone have any idea what I could do to figure this out?

Thanks.

[thedjjack]

leave the negative cable off the batteries over the period of time it usually will not start (no drain) connect it up and see if it starts. If it does then I agree drain problem, if not I suspect battery problems.

[tonydca]

leave the negative cable off the batteries over the period of time it usually will not start (no drain) connect it up and see if it starts. If it does then I agree drain problem, if not I suspect battery problems.

X2

[Van Diesel]

I've been disconnecting the -ve wire while the van is parked. The battery seems fine. Thanks for the tip.

Does anyone know if it's possible for the glow plugs to draw power from the battery while the ignition is off and keys are out?

I don't know if it's because it's coinciding with it recently getting warmer in Victoria but my glow plug light has been going off a 1/2 second after I turn the key. This has happened first thing in the morning with it being 7 degrees on the thermometer on the dash. It struck me as odd; I've gotten used to cycling the glow plugs twice during the winter and all of a sudden...

[tonydca]

If you can hook up an ammeter to read the drain current while it's happening (vehicle swithced off, no key, etc.), then start pulling fuses one at a time until it goes away. Helps isolate the problem. One set of fuses driver's side under the hood, another set inside the van under the dashboard.

[Flemwad]

Also it is possible you may have a diode fail on the Alternator , it will still charge fine but when ignition off power is draining back into Alternator, i had that and tested it by doing amp test across disconnected battery negative side pulled all fuses one at a time to no effect till i disconnect alternator lead at source and amps dropped on test meter
A quick fix a battery isolater switch a pain to open bonnet and turn on but till you find the fault will get you started each day plus a very handy thing to have to isolate battery fast

[Van Diesel]

Thanks for the info.

I'll try disconnecting the alternator and see what the meter says.

And the battery disconnect switch is a good idea since right now I'm removing the -ve lead altogether every time I start and stop.

[Van Diesel]

It was the alternator.

Like a vampire, it came in the night and slowly sucked the life out of my battery.

Not anymore.

[MardyDelica]

rebuild the alternator now so you wont have any further issues anymore
this will help you big
cheer;s
Mardy

[Manitoba deli]

Is somebody supplying the diode packs for these alternators yet, and if so who is, and how much are they? When mine went in early 2010 I was told $400 plus shipping for the diode pack. That's why I made brackets and installed the 120amp delco which was under $300. If there is a reasonably priced diode pack available, I would like to rebuild mine for a spare.

Jason

[MardyDelica]

we sold a rebuild L400 alternator for $220 exchange
Cheers;
mardy