Starter question - GM but not Corvette

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I'm trying to help a friend determine why the battery in his Chevrolet van keeps running down. When we place an ammeter between the post and the positive battery terminal, current is flowing when nothing in the van is on.

Can a starter, or starter solenoid develop an internal leakage that could cause this problem? If so, is there a voltmeter test than can be performed while the starter is installed to measure for leakage?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Gene

[Michael W.]

Re: Starter question - GM but not Corvette

Disconnect the starter wiring and see what changes.

[Jack H.]

Re: Starter question - GM but not Corvette

There are a number of ways for there to be a drain on the battery when the ignition is turned off. You'll find several circuits that are unswitched like glove box light, cig lighter, and interior lamps. Some circuits are also un-fused meaning you can't diagnose by selectively pulling fuses to fault isolated. Last, there's a diode bridge in the alternator and if one of the six diodes is blown short, it could present a perpetual load...

[Terry D.]

Re: Starter question - GM but not Corvette

What year van? Does he have the anti-corrosive device installed. My brothers van had that and if he didn't drive it far a few weeks the battery would go dead.
Terry

[Eugene B.]

Re: Starter question - GM but not Corvette

Terry,
I'm not sure, but I think the Chevy van is early to mid '80's. Please tell me more about the anti-corrosive device. I've never heard of it.

Thank you for your reply.

Regards,
Gene

[Terry D.]

Re: Starter question - GM but not Corvette

Gene
On my brothers 94 Van there is a device called a "Rust Inhibitor". It is suppose to keep the frame and body parts from rusting through some kind of electrolisis. It's a little yellow box under the hood. If he doesn't drive the van for awhile it will run the battery down. Doesn't work that great because the van is already starting to rust here in Ohio.
Terry