1964 battery drain

[kentrx1]

have a mystery battery drain that drains battery overnight. happened after engine reinstall. thought it was the alternator because if i disconnected wiring from alternator drain would stop. purchased new alternator and still get same issue. suggestions appreciated.

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[Critterpainer]

Could be a voltage regulator issue. Or an open trunk or a bunch of things

 

[kentrx1]

Could be a voltage regulator issue. Or an open trunk or a bunch of things

what throws me off is that if alternator disconnected no battery drain. new alternator did the same drain thou.

 

[Critterpainer]

1964 was the first year for the alternator in the Thunderbird. The voltage regulator was not built into the alternator but instead is mounted near the radiator IIRC (if I remember correctly). Unplug it and see if the drain stops.

 

[Ron Sessions]

I would suggest a battery cut off that mounts on the negative battery post.

I would certainly unhook the battery at night. That would prevent a possible fire and verify a short.

 

[inspector]

I would start pulling fuses, one by one, and check for current flow out of battery

 

[kentrx1]

can anyone tell me the proper wiring of the alternator and voltage regulator? what voltage (if any) should be on each color wire? thanks

 

[biddle]

can anyone tell me the proper wiring of the alternator and voltage regulator? what voltage (if any) should be on each color wire? thanks

If you are going to work on your own car, you need a shop manual and electrical wiring manual- https://ebay.us/PumPrB

 

[jack-in-sac]

If you are going to work on your own car, you need a shop manual and electrical wiring manual- https://ebay.us/PumPrB

AMEN my brother!