Engine / Chassis Batteries Draining while parked

08-09-2006, 12:23 AM

Yeah, Bill N Y, I wuz gravitaing towards bad diodes in the alt, but that would show a drain whether or not the speedo head were connected (so I've dismissed that). A pulse generator wouldn't be an issue here as it's a separate signal-only circuit that controls the speedo output (namely the speed indicated) like an input to an amplifier. It's not the power circuit, wherein the problem lies.

If there's an issue with the speedo head (which I don't suspect at the moment), it's separate from the fact it is getting power when it shouldn't. But you're absolutely on track in that if the pulse generator were positioned to trigger a power input to the speedo head, that could be revealing the power-on-when-it-shouldn't-oughta-be...but I think that's only an order of magnitude, not the underlying issue.

Sure wish Larry lived closer to one of us, as I think it's a relatively simple matter (as electrical gremlins tend to be....

Rusty

MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines: Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons. Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!

"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke

It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields

08-11-2006, 10:29 PM

hilarlee

Well I finished returning everything back to it's original order. Batteries tested good,charged and cables cleaned as well. Today I installed a marine style power cutoff knob/switch so I can continue to use the coach. I'm still curious as heck so I'll keep probing around. Does anyone know if this coach has a battery isolater? If so, is it hidden under the floor or ? My schematic shows one but I can't find it anywhere..Is it possible for an isolater to fail causing my power drain? How much is an airline ticket from N.Y to L.A?

08-11-2006, 11:10 PM

Rusty

Larry,

I can't help much with the location of the isolator. However, there's but one, wired in the alternator output circuit. In my Breakaway, the isolator itself is in the battery compartment.

The converter (120VAC to 12VDC) doesn't have an isolator, as it charges only the house batteries.

Anyhoo, it's quite possible for an isolator to fail (its diodes short out), but your symptoms don't indicate the issue is in the isolator...sorry.

Rusty

08-12-2006, 10:15 AM

MWrench

Larry, do you get to No CA? I live near San Jose, CA and would be happy to help if you get around this area and could stop by. I have enough room in my driveway for another Barth and a full shop to support my crazy dreams.

It is very hard to "Monday morning quarterback" troubles and troubleshooting without seeing/touching is difficult.

Let me know

08-12-2006, 01:52 PM

hilarlee

Hi Ed! Heidi and I will be going up to Lake Tahoe in a couple weeks but with reservations I'm not sure we'll have an extra couple days to swing by. It would be fun to meet another Barth owner though.. About twice a year I'll see a Barth heading South towards Newport Beach and always wonder which Barthmobiler is driving it. I'll let you know if I can make a change in our plans-Thank you.

08-12-2006, 04:06 PM

MWrench

I will be going to Reno on Sept 10 but should be here until then.

I haven't been thru LA area with the Barth yet so that isn't me. I will be going to Huntington Beach in October as it stands now.

Let me know if you can change your plans or hae a few extra hours to swing by.

08-21-2006, 10:54 PM

hilarlee

Say Ed, if your offer still stands Heidi and I will plan to arrive in your neighborhood August 31 (Thursday morning). Our plan is to leave Costa Mesa 92626 Wednesday night 7ish and spend the night somewhere around 10p. Wake up early 7ish and head to your place arriving before noon. We'll eat your food and drink your beer while you solve all my problems...By the way, my two very spoiled dogs will want to sleep on your couch. We could spend the night and leave Friday morning for Tahoe..Sound like a plan?

08-21-2006, 11:01 PM

Bill N.Y.

quote:
Originally posted by hilarlee:
Say Ed, if your offer still stands Heidi and I will plan to arrive in your neighborhood August 31 (Thursday morning)...while you solve all my problems...

So, does that mean I'm not getting a plane ticket?

Bill N.Y.

01-30-2007, 09:40 AM

Tom and Julie

quote:
Originally posted by MWrench:
I have the Dana cruise control and the control is on the turn signal stalk. I use it all the time. Maybe the reason it says for "gasoline engines only" is that there is no vacuum generated in the manifold of a diesel and it uses vacuum to pull the throttle cable, this is why we have a vacuum generator that uses the compressed air thru a venturi and is why the air system always goes down when parked. There are two vacuum generators one in the rear for the cruise control and one in front for the dash HVAC unit actuators.

Do you know of any description (brand name , part number) for these vacuum generators? I have a dash gauge that says "engine vacuum" and it reads zero, but I have a Cat 3208T diesel and as far as I know there is no vacuum on a diesel engine, especially a turbo powered one. I can't find any reference to this in the Bart manual I got with the coach. 93 Regency 32 foot.
Tom
HTH

01-30-2007, 01:33 PM

MWrench

It is a Ford part and somewhere in the forum is posted the part number, I looked quickly but didn't find it, after I get back I will search but it is here.

01-30-2007, 06:48 PM

Rusty

Here

Rusty