QUICK BATTERY DRAINS

nevernotbusy · Post by **nevernotbusy** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 2:50 pm

Hey guys,

Just curious to hear what might lead to a battery being drained unusually quick?

Would corroded grounds be a possibility?

Thanks!

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 3:03 pm

A corroded ground will reduce the current flowing from the battery.

You need to look for a short circuit somewhere.

Does the battery drain quickly when the bike is running or not running?

Is the battery new or old. (an old battery could have internal shorts)

Can you measure the battery drain with a meter?

How quick is quick?

G

nevernotbusy · Post by **nevernotbusy** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 3:21 pm

Its a new battery.

I'm talking about having just charged the battery and having it read 12v or sometimes more, and then trying to kickstart the bike for a few hours.

Still havent gotten the bike to run because of a clogged carb jet probably, but after trying to kick over for a couple hours, I noticed the battery would start reading around 7v.

(Front light, horn, and spark all works)

Still haven't figured out why the brake light won't work.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 3:38 pm

You might have a short circuit in the brake light wiring that is draining the battery....

G

nevernotbusy · Post by **nevernotbusy** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 4:13 pm

Thanks G-Man. There might definitely be something funny going on back there.

The contacts read about 2v or so, the bulb looks unspent, and the brake wire at the brake lever area looks very corroded. I gotta spend a couple hours tending to that circuit, maybe rewiring from scratch.

Best,
L

48lesco · Post by **48lesco** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 2:33 pm

Unless you have an electronic ignition, leaving the ignition "on" for two hours without the engine running will drain the battery. Nothing to stop current from flowing through the coil except the points which may or may not be closed depending on the cam position.
-48

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Fri Oct 24, 2014 10:17 am

First what is the actual voltage of the charged battery - it needs to be 12.6/12.7VDC.
Second is the battery fairly new"?

If the battery was undercharged or in poor condition that would be the problem.

When the key is "ON" there is a constant drain on the battery - If the battery is marginal that may be the problem.

With the key in the "OFF" position remove the negative battery cable and lightly "flick" it against the negative battery post - if you see a a slight spark there is something draining the battery -