Wiring/vaccum

[Roth]

I have an 84 Bronco 2 that i just bought. It had been sitting for almost 12 years. The car runs well once started (after a tune up and some fuel system cleaner). I have found that the battery is draining somehow. I know there are several unused plugs on this car but the one i have has some wired going to nowhere. Its odd. I am no car specialist but i am trying to figure out what may be doing this if the car runs fine.

Thanks for any suggestions. I love being a newbie on stuff (not).

 

[Matt_V]

Good luck. I am facing similar problems with unused plugs and trying to trace them out.

Best bet is to purchase an EVTM manual off eBay for your specific year.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

Roth,

IF the battery is more than three years old, it may be on its last legs, and just may not be holding a charge anymore.

OTOH you can determine if there is a drain by disconnecting the positive cable and running a 12 volt bulb in line between the battery terminal and the cable. If it lights, you have a drain. TO help localize the drain, start pulling fuses. When th elight goes out, you have localized the circuit. BTW... you may have a faint glow, that would be normal drain for such things as keep alive memory for the computer and the radio station pre-sets) also if you have an alarm. If all fuses have been pulled try pullling relays. If a drain is still evident, try disconnecting the alternator and its regulator. IF still... consider circuits that are powered by way of fusible links... you'll need a wiring diagram to determine those.

 

[Roth]

Roth,IF the battery is more than three years old, it may be on its last legs, and just may not be holding a charge anymore.

OTOH you can determine if there is a drain by disconnecting the positive cable and running a 12 volt bulb in line between the battery terminal and the cable. If it lights, you have a drain. TO help localize the drain, start pulling fuses. When th elight goes out, you have localized the circuit. BTW... you may have a faint glow, that would be normal drain for such things as keep alive memory for the computer and the radio station pre-sets) also if you have an alarm. If all fuses have been pulled try pullling relays. If a drain is still evident, try disconnecting the alternator and its regulator. IF still... consider circuits that are powered by way of fusible links... you'll need a wiring diagram to determine those.

The battery is brand new. I will try the test light suggestion. I appreciate your help. I wish i could get a picture of an 84 AT B2's engine done correctly so i could compare and contract. Anyone got a pic of what i am looking for? If so I would love some help. Also i have about 4 vacuum hoses that go nowhere. Not sure why.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Roth]

It looks like we have diagnosed the problem and a buddy of my brothers has got it in working order. He did say there is a lifter in the engine going bad. Is this a serious problem? I have about 1500 in this car already. I also believe the gas take was replaced by a gas tank from an 85. I believe the sending unit is not working. I believe it was mentioned on another forum that the 84 has a unique sending unit. Never the less the gas gauge does not work. How hard is this to fix myself? I am not very knowledgeable about mechanics but I am mechanical minded.

Thank you guys for all the advise...!!!!

 

[Seabronc]

It looks like we have diagnosed the problem and a buddy of my brothers has got it in working order. He did say there is a lifter in the engine going bad. Is this a serious problem? I have about 1500 in this car already. I also believe the gas take was replaced by a gas tank from an 85. I believe the sending unit is not working. I believe it was mentioned on another forum that the 84 has a unique sending unit. Never the less the gas gauge does not work. How hard is this to fix myself? I am not very knowledgeable about mechanics but I am mechanical minded.
Thank you guys for all the advise...!!!!

So what was the battery drain problem. Please share it so other BII owners can benefit from your experience.

As far as the sending unit goes, it is inside the tank and normally you have to drop the tank to replace it. However, first check out the connections to the sender. Re seat the connector and make sure the wires are OK.

Attached is a test procedure from a 83 FSB. It should work for your truck also. The regulator it is talking about is the instrument panel regulator which is located on the back side of the instrument panel. It is about 1" x 1.5" x 3/8'" in size.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Roth]

This was due to the engine being incorrectly rewired by who ever owned it before the guy who sold it to me. Lesson Learned.