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Re: 1989 ford E-150 5.8 battery dies


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OldFordVan
New User

Apr 1, 2017, 2:50 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1276 views)
Re: 1989 ford E-150 5.8 battery dies Sign In

I've had a 1989 Ford E-150 for about 14 years. I've used a converter so I could use 120v laptop charger when I camp, and, if I am not careful, if I use the charger with the van not running, it kills the regulator. The sure sign that I have blown the regulator is that the battery dies when I shut off the van. I have made that mistake a few times. Replacing the regulator fixes it.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 1, 2017, 4:50 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1270 views)
Re: 1989 ford E-150 5.8 battery dies Sign In

Regulator is on the alternator easy to replace. Why would it kill that anyway you must mean drains the battery never a good idea. Do that then you overwork the whole alternator not just the regulator. Get that right and quit what you are doing for a laptop. It called an "inverter" is what you are using. Most also use a fan to keep them cool using even more power. You shouldn't need this at all for just what you are doing.


They make cigarette lighter/power port adaptors that will take vehicle's power and make 5.5 DC is the standard USB charger. Use that and remove it each time. It's about the size of an average thumb and doubt it draws current unless USB cord is in it anyway. See them for like $5 or less sometimes.


If you do this all the time get a separate deep cycle battery and charge it when you have 110 land power should last for ages.


T



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Apr 1, 2017, 4:53 AM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Apr 1, 2017, 5:47 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1253 views)
Re: 1989 ford E-150 5.8 battery dies Sign In

This model has an external regulator on the firewall.





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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 1, 2017, 5:59 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1249 views)
Re: 1989 ford E-150 5.8 battery dies Sign In

OK - any which one - Car/vehicle "Lead/Acid" battery not intended to run low as we know. OP - don't do this with van off. If you don't like using fuel find another way.


Laptop/devices use "Lithium Ion" which is made to run dead and come back. Automotive stuff will self destruct and is really just for cranking starter, run then alternator does all the work. Read one it should say CCA = Cold Cranking Amps and again CA = cranking amps. About cranking engine not running things without engine ON!


They do make both in one but about $400 bucks (Optima Batteries, blue top, grey case) and still might not start the van over a laptop?? Use it separately as it's still hard on alternator to work too hard,


Not the same critters,


T







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