Brett Ellingson wrote:
>
> Hello
>
> I'm having a difficult time keeping my 87 Westy battery full of juice.
> I recently bought a new one and still have to hook it up to the battery
> charger every week or so.  Obviously it is draining somehow.  I'v
> disconnected the sink unit to see if that is the problem, no luck.  The
> alternator is relatively new and the belt is tight enough.  Any
> suggestions as to how to track this problem down?
>
> Thanks
>
> Brett Ellingson
> 87 Westy

You need to be certain whether the problem is with the charging or from
an unusual drain.  With the engine running at a reasonable rate you
should be able to measure 14 V or so at the big red wire on the
alternator and at the battery.
  If that seems OK you can start looking for the drain.  With the engine
and dome lights turned off, the only drain should be the clock.  There
should not be any noticeable spark when you disconnect the negative
battery terminal and touch it to the post (wear safety glasses!).  You
can connect an ammeter between the battery post and the cable to check
for drain current more accurately.  With everything shut down there
shouldn't be more than a milliamp or so.  If there is a drain, you need
to start narrowing it down.  Pulling out one fuse at a time and
connecting an ammeter across each socket should help.

good luck,
Larry A.