1984 ranger 302

[jott60]

ok this is the deal i bought this truck 2 weeks ago it already had the 302 in it the battery kept dying on me so i got the alternator checked it was good. so i just up and bought a battery started up great and for 2 day it was fine. i replaced all thewires going to the battery starter soleinoid and alternator. runs fine 2 days later im getting off the off ramp and my lights start dimming and running awkwardly it stalls at the light i turn it ovver and it sounded like a grinding noise i replaced the starter and it does the same thing and the battery is still dead and its making the same noise any ideas?

 

[sparky2eh]

Well......... is the battery actually being charged by the alternator?
Will it run if you charge the battery so you can check the alternator output to the battery?
Is the grinding coming from the starter relay?

 

[RangerSVT]

You have a short somewhere. Take a test light, put one end on the positive battery terminal, the other on the disconnected positive battery cable. If it lights up, then you have a short, remove all fuses and test the circuit side one by one til you find the circuit that has the short...

SVT

 

[RangerSVT]

Just re-read your post, it us possible the alt is good, but not charging the bat like sparky said. Check voltage at the battery with engine running. What type alt you running?

SVT

 

[jott60]

i cant really try anything right now shes at a gas station right now i'll get her home and try and test some things.

 

[jott60]

is there supposed to be one or 2 wires coming off the alternator the only thing i know about the alternator is that it has an external fan

 

[RangerSVT]

Give us some more info, like what style altenator you are running, pics help too

SVT

 

[jott60]

ok i'll see if i can get some pics. its got a 68 ford 302 in it. i;ll see what alternator it is tonight. theres only one wire goin to it right now i thought it should have more i'll have more info tonight.

 

[jott60]

nevermind i found the problem another wire for the alternator was not connected and hiding. thanks for the help guys