Charging problems
Hey all, I read through the earlier post and got some good info, but thought I'd post my problem to see if anyone has any further comments.
My '87 3.8L TBI suddenly wouldn't start one morning. I will note that the day before on the ride home, I could tell the dash lights were a bit more dim and it seemed like the car was running off the battery only. It started fine and even after driving most of the way home in the dark, when I stopped at the grocery store, it still started fine. Next morning, though...nope...solenoid was clicking, that's it. Note that the "ALT" light never came on during any of this...and it does work.
I had the battery checked, and after a charge, it was deemed "good". Brought it home, started the car, no problems, then decided to use the "alternator check" on my battery charger. Alternator tested "bad" under load. O.k., so I figure I'll go get an alternator it appears to be the ORIGINAL! Next day I go to start the car for the heck of it...NOTHING. Battery is now down to 8.9V.
So, my question, what could be draining the battery when the car is not being driven? Nothing obvious is a problem (lights on, dome lights, etc.). I did read that someone posted in the other thread about an alternator drawing 3A when not running...
Regarding pulling fuses while checking current draw...I'm not an electrical guru, I don't quite understand what that will tell me? And, is that with the engine running, or not? Is that essentially looking for a "short"?
Oh, one other thing...what is that small wire coming off the negative terminal with the plastic what appears almost like a "fuse holder" for?
One more thing...I have the 2nd alternator listed in the photos of the earlier post..."2G" I think it was.
Thanks!