Battery not holding charge

RikiTiki · Post by **RikiTiki** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 3:14 pm

So it was time to replace the battery anyway in my 66 12v convert
put in new battery and new terminals.

But the new battery isnt holding charge

Gen light seems to work on dash and goes out while driving.
and Battery goes down quicker when driving with lights on.
vs just sitting for weeks without being driven.
so I dont think its draining while just sitting.

Any suggestions where to start troubleshooting?

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 2:04 pm

Voltage regulator is the first thing I'd check. A telltale is if the gen light comes on at higher revs.

RikiTiki · Post by **RikiTiki** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:00 am

the gen light does go out after starting.
I did some more researching and testing
Took a multi meter to the battery and got 12.7 IIRC
start engine drops a couple of points 12.4 (I read it should actually increase)
Turn on lights drops even lower.

I ordered in some new brushes for the generator

Is there a link someone where for Voltage reg testing?

RikiTiki · Post by **RikiTiki** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 11:02 am

OK so I replace the brushes and polerized the gen and now get some good readings when testing the Battery with the multimeter.

So for example where I got NO change before on the multi meter at the battery I now get

12.5 with the engine running, then when accelerating goes up to around 13.5. when I turn on the lights it drops to about 11.7 and then comes back up to around 12.7

I read changing the bottom brush out was diffiuclt and after attempting to remove, I decided to tak a different approach and saved a ton of time and backache.

Removed the gen strap, losen the shroud and acel cable, removed the 4 fan/shroud bolts, and simply turned the gerated to access the bottom brush.

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:49 pm

I've done the same thing. It's easier on some engines more than others.