74 CJ5-battery keeps going dead or...

Got a CJ5 74 and I want to change out the battery and alternator... which ones should I go for? Battery I got now is a duralast, should I go with an Optima battery from Autozone or what? Sorry I'm getting ahead of myself, the jeep doesnt seem to want to turn over... makes the clickity clickity noise like you hear from the volatage regulator. So rather than troubleshoot to find out which unit is defective, I just want to replace all of it... the battery and alternator. How bout telling me what alternator to go with. Thanks in advance for any help you may possibly give.
Ken

 

Can you jump start the Jeep? Does it start then? If so when you take the jumper cables off the batt measure the voltage should be around 13 volts give or take at idle with everything off. If it is at that voltage then the battery needs to be replaced the alt and voltage reg are fine. That battery may even be OK if you give it a good charge.

If not you may need either a voltage regulator or an alt. There are ways to test which one is bad. Off hand I can't remember how though, someone here will help out.

You also may want to do a draw test to make sure a short is not killing the battery. Symptoms of this are when the Jeep starts and runs until you let it sit for a day or two and it requires a jump again. Again I would have to be in front of the Jeep to remember how to do this test. Someone will chime in though.

By the way that clickity click noise is coming from the starter solenoid, not the voltage regulator.

 

I've got the Red top Optima, I've been very happy with it. MA74cj5
called it right with the troubleshooting. Most auto parts stores
would test them for you if you take them in.

 

I popped in a one wire alternator and a set of dual optimas, but, because of a short (wipers, I found), my batteries were being drained over night every night. I wired a disconnect switch between each battery and the alternator. It lets me isolate both batteries, charge both, charge one, whatever... plus it has an awesome cool factor

 

If it were me I would take it one step at a time. I would take the battery out of the jeep and put it on a charger overnight then check it in the morning. The battery would need to show at lease 12.6 volts for a full charge then let it sit for 8 hours and if it still holds at least 12.6 volts the battery is good. There may not be another step to the fix.

I know you mentioned in your post that you rather not troubleshoot and just replace all of it, may I ask why you wouldn’t want to troubleshoot? We will help and it may save you money.

 

Regardless of any suspect electrical problems I will always begin troubleshooting with a tested and good battery.

 

THanks for all your replies fellaz. Yesterday I went to AutoZone, she checked my battery and told me it needed charging... right after I had it on a charge for 4 hours. To check my alternator she wanted me to start the jeep, DO'H! It didn't start ROFL. So since they were sold out of the yellow Optima batteries, I picked up the red one (800cca). Now I suppose I'll take it back there and ensure my alternator is good. But sure would feel better if I had one of those 1 wire alternators but don't know where to start. I mean the alternator I have has that white plug. Anyway I'm determined to fix it right this time.
Ken

 

Ken, if you used a 10-amp charger it may take approximately 6-10 hours at a temp of 80 F for a full charge, and longer with lower temps.

 

Thanks Tumbleweed ... read the WHOLE thing, very informative but I'm not quite that far yet. I'd love to have two of these red tops for the same purpose you have; peace of mind. But good news, just got back from taking my jeep about an hour north and not one problem! Had my labrador and golf clubs with me and it was GREAT! Oh and just before I left I did take the jeep back to autozone to ensure my alternator works and it does. Although here is a new question for you all. Seems my amp gauge says my alternator is putting out as many as like 17 volts sometimes... is this ok? Maybe this is how that duralast went bad?
Ken