Dead Battery Again!!

[wobill]

Hey All, I've had my '56 for about 6 months now. Replaced the battery about 3 months ago (It was only a year old). If it sets for 3 or 4 days, I need to charge the battery, engine won't crank at all. The generator and regulator appear to be new, I replaced the coil and the starting resistor. I disconnected the battery for 4 days after I charged it...reconnected and car started. Put a milliamp meter between the negative lead and the battery terminal...no current draw at all. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Wobill

 

[gbhrps]

wobill,
You're touching on territory that isn't in my best knowledge group, but a few things come to mind. If you've correctly verified that there is no current draw when the car is off (I've added the extra security of a battery disconnect for those times when I know the car won't be in use for a while. Its a small metal extension that goes between the battery cable (either + or -) and the battery post. It has a twist knob that when turned disconnects the battery. It ensures that a short circuit causing a fire, or the clock or courtesy light draining the battery can't happen when I'm not in the car. Easy enough to raise the hood, reach in and turn the reconnect knob, close the hood and be on my way.) you are therefore assured that your car isn't charging the battery when its running. Check for a loose fan belt, loose/corroded connections on the generator, or a generator or voltage regulator that are not working properly. These last two areas will need to be checked out by someone who knows how to test them. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

 

[wobill]

Found the problem!! The red & green felt washers on the battery posts were touching the hold down bracket.....shorting out the battery. Thanks, Bill

 

[gbhrps]

Wobill,
Aint that the way it goes? The simplest/dumbest things are the culprits that you spend the most time chasing. If you've checked the last few posts you'll see where my mild overheating problem for the last 2 driving seasons was nothing more than a seized heat riser, something that a few squirts of penetrating oil and 2 minutes work corrected. Great catch!