Posted by Allen Patnode on June 24, 2000 at 21:45:38:
In Reply to: Replace Generator or Install Alternator? posted by Tim James on June 24, 2000 at 17:37:32:
Before you spend a lot of money check out the problem, We have all gone of half cocked and wasted money. Check to see if there is any draw on the batteries when the truck is not running, You can disconnect the ground wire going to the frame or wherever it goes and slowly touch it to the metal and see if you get a spark, or if you have a meter or test light use it. DO NOT MAKE ANY SPARKS NEAR THE BATTERIES!!! Make sure the truck is charging, you can use a volt meter on the batteries. check your voltage with the truck off and running, it should be higher running. I don't know much about M-37s but the batteries should be isolated from each other some how. If you connect 2 batteries together in parrallel ( 12 volt) they will discharge each other. but yours are in series for 24 volt so I guess thats not a problem. Do you have any 12 volt accessories? I know if you had an altenator with a bad diode it would also discharge the batteries when not charging. Maybe a stuck voltage regulator would do this. I hope this helps let us know.