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electrical question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by dieselcj, Jun 9, 2005.

  1. Jun 9, 2005
    dieselcj

    dieselcj New Member

    B.C. Canada
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2003
    Messages:
    16
    Hello.
    I connected my multimeter in series from the positive bat terminal to
    cable connector and says I have 3.5 ma flow on the 200ma range. this is with the key in my pocket and there are no electronics of any kind in the jeep. since I have only limited electrical knowledge and you can`t see
    electrons I was wondering how bad this leak is. I don`t want to change iginitions and light switches or what have you unless it`s necessary.
    any advice or help is appreciated

    thanks
    James
     
    dieselcj, Jun 9, 2005
    #1
  2. Jun 9, 2005
    CJMac

    CJMac New Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2003
    Messages:
    14
    Start by disconnecting things one at a time with the multimeter hooked up. When the meter shows no reading you found the problem. Sometimes a diode will go bad in the alt. and you can get a small drain from that but the multimeter will tell you.
     
    CJMac, Jun 9, 2005
    #2
  3. Jun 9, 2005
    dieselcj

    dieselcj New Member

    B.C. Canada
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2003
    Messages:
    16
    thanks cjmac
    I will try that, my wiring under dash is a ball of spagetti I just replaced
    my externally regulator alt. with a 12si unit so I will start there I never tested prior this(wish I had). will this drain kill a battery over a couple of days do you know? Thanks again
    James
     
    dieselcj, Jun 9, 2005
    #3
  4. Jun 9, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    3.5ma is a pretty small drain, but left over a period of a couple of weeks you might see the battery run down eventually. I think I'd want to know where the leak is, but I wouldn't obsess over it.
     
    w3srl, Jun 9, 2005
    #4
  5. Jun 9, 2005
    181jeep

    181jeep Banned

    central valley, ca
    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2004
    Messages:
    376
    I bet you've got a 1 wire alternator, don't you??

    JB
     
    181jeep, Jun 9, 2005
    #5
  6. Jun 10, 2005
    dieselcj

    dieselcj New Member

    B.C. Canada
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2003
    Messages:
    16
    The alt. is a 12si delco remy unit it can be converted to 1 wire but I
    used 3 and the indicator (idiot) light My engine has really low rpm (compartively) so I did not think 1 wire would work.
     
    dieselcj, Jun 10, 2005
    #6
  7. Jun 10, 2005
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,422
    Not sure if the idiot light would drain it or not. I know my 62 with the generator, if the ignition is on, but not running, the idiot light comes on. But it doesn't come on when the ignition is off. Try disconnecting it and see if thats it.

    Or,,, try seeing if any of that spaghetti is bare and touching a ground point. If you can't find it, put a quick disconnect on the battery so you can disconnect one side of the battery. That way it won't discharge down while it sits for a long period of time. (just remember to reconnect it when you go to start it. ;) )
     
    termin8ed, Jun 10, 2005
    #7
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