Alt / reg /batt ?

[slamons]

Ok, here is the history, 71 390, complete restore, back together, Starts runs good, Drive for awhile, attempt to restart, battery dead. Check and replace alt, same problem, Replace regulater, same problem. Check wiring, have current thru fusable link, out put from alt = 14. Changed out battery, same thing happened. Did have problem shutting truck of, key would not shut off. Could this be a problem with the switch. Possibly drawing power when off. Any help would help.

[FORDification]

That's a very strong possibility...and actually a fairly common occurrence. Since that's one the of the last things in your system (besides the wiring itself) that you're questioning, I'd say replace it.

From the Charging System Troubleshooting tutorial:

... If a current drain persists, suspect the ignition switch. A shorted ignition switch can deliver current, even with the key is in the off position. Current may be passing to the coil (or ignition module, if so equipped). You can confirm current flow at each of these areas by taking voltage readings with your VOM.

[slamons]

Replaced the switch, STILL HAVE PROBLEM. I am ready to start drinking heavly.....New everything, Checked all wiring. Have current, no shorts. When running truck will not shut off at switch. Still not charging battery. Can drive for short time. battery runs dead, truck stops. I have 2 batterys. Same with both. 2 regulators, boththe same. Have power (14 volts coming from alt).

PLEASE HELP BEFORE I GO CRAZY.....OR GET CLOSER.....

[SteveC]

ok the truck wont shut off at the switch when you try to turn it off?? there is something wrong there and a wierd question but is the engine grounded?? there should be a little wire that goes from the back of the intake to the firewall.

[slamons]

Yes, Engine is grounded, This is an intermetent problem....

[SteveC]

hmm thats wierd sounds like a short some where but u checked for that.

[slamons]

I have checked everything, Getting ready to pull the dash apart. Alt gauge has not worked after the restoration. The wiring going into the fire wall looks good. Getting ready to check behind gauge cluster for problem? any suggestions....

[Thunderfoot]

I been thinking about your problems and I'm a little confused...
You say you have 14 Volts coming from the Alternator... This should be charging the battery... I know you said you checked the fusible link but you might have a bad connection there, maybe after it warms up just a bit it stops making connection. Or maybe it is not making good connection where it is connected to the solenoid power. Check it with a volt meter after it warms up for what the alternator is putting out and if it is making it to the connector at the solenoid and then to the battery. (if I misunderstood this, then I'll have some other things you can check)

For the not turning off with the key; next time it does this try unhooking the small wire on the starter solenoid that is towards the firewall (should be a brown wire) and see if the motor shuts off. This is the wire that supplies full 12V to the coil during starting to help with cold starts, and have seen where the solenoid goes bad and it stays latched on causing the motor to not shut off.

If that still don't work then you may have some wires shorted somewhere and just have to look for some melted together somewhere...

Have you added anything electrical aftermarket? Radio, gauges, etc...

[slamons]

Thanks for the replys. I finally found the problem. After starting over. I had the alt checked out, It was fine, All wires were fine, and had conductivity. When placing the alt back in the truck found small peice of metal on end of heavy rubber boot, this is were the ground mounted to the alt. Inside this boot a heavy wire is there to form the heavey coated, and curved boot. I cut this all away and found all 3 wires gounding each other out, intermetintly. Cut and remade a boot and end, Solved all the problem. This was all inside the factory protective boot.....Go figure.......