i have a 1981 toyota pick up, changed the alternator, changed the regulator, bought a new "Gel" battery and it?s still going dead. i think i have a drain somewhere. maybe you can help. how can i find the drain source? thanks in advance all!
With the engine running at fast idle you should see 14 to 14.5 volts across the battery, shut the engine off and it should drop to 12 volts or slightly lower. This will (sort of) verify that the charging system is actually doing it's thing.
With the engine off and all lights etc off lift the negative terminal from the battery and put a DC ammeter between that lead and the negative battery post. You should see a very small current flow, maybe 10-20ma.
If you see more, say 100ma or something then start shutting things off (and check the meter after each item) until you find what's doing all the drawing. Pay attention to the remote start (if equipped). If nothing shows up that seems like the culprit start pulling fuses and breakers...also look for things like an underhood light that's staying on with the hood closed, a trunk light if equipped, glove box light etc...even these small bulbs will flatten a car battery overnight...good luck.
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