Car Problems.........

[VINCENT RUDI]

I Would Take Your Battary Back To The Store Optima Had A Bad Run Of Batterys For A While Thare, You May Have Gotten The Bad One. Your Regulator Is Built In To Your Alternator That Could Also Be Going Bad, Sometimes Working And Sometimes Not And Assuming You Have A Electric Fan That Would Be Running After The Car Is Off And With A Low Battery It Would Be Even Lower. Another Idea Have You Installed A Radio Or Amp?

[RichMusson]

Okay Guys,
I really appreciate the responses; first, I do believe there is more than one issue here.
Some of this is the problem and some is the symptom caused by the problem.
I believe the main issue is incompetency one the part of the builder.

Here’s where I am leaning.
There were a number of comments about grounds and corroded connections etc. I definitely agree that could be a part of the problem. However, those that know me they would say I am overboard on the number and types of grounds. Also I am a nut when it comes to dielectric grease on any electrical connection. I have examined a number of connections and they all look fine; clean, tight and well lubricated. So while it could definitely be an issue I am ruling it out in the short run. The same holds true of the battery and kill switch connections. They are clean and well lubricated; so I will assume they are fine for now

So here is what I am thinking.
First I agree the Optima is bad. It is only a year old. During the winter the car is kept in a heated garage on a trickle charger. So I think my other problem affected the battery. It simply does not hold a proper charge. I have pulled it and tested and it is steadily loosing power over the last few days. So it will get replaced.
I am not too sure if the overcharging has something to do with the bad battery or not.


I believe this is the bigger problem.
When I relocated the battery to the trunk I made the hold down clamp using some threaded rod & aluminum bar stock. I think I had the aluminum bar too close to the battery post. Something must have been loose. I am guessing it moved enough for the bracket to touch the battery post. (It may have been happening, at least to small degree, for the last few months). That is what caused the drain that killed the motor last week end.
I did giggle the wires when the car was dead. That must have moved the bar away from the battery post. Then the car was jumped and ran fine.
I am not too sure how I managed to overcharge the battery. However, I agree it would be a function of the regulator. I do not know if the bad battery could be part of the problem. I will say that leaving the lights on for just a few minutes brought the voltage to under 12.6. So I am hoping changing out the battery will solve the problem.

Anyway that is where I am for now. Again, thanks for the comments and help.

Rich

[LRRCobradreamer]

My garage is also heated to a degree (never freezes) and I still pull the battery, just like the boat. That way it cannot be drained. Then I charge it about 1 day before installation in the spring. Just my 2 cents.

All your comments make sense, but the 18 volts. I would keep checking it with the new battery. If it happens again then the regulator is the next issue, but you are risking the new battery.

Best of luck, Lee