Electronic 4-stroke computer power draw question

[Brian Diehl]

I went out yesterday to do some work and turned the bus on to start it.  No power!  UGH.  I had forgot to connect my charger to the bus batteries.  Interesting thing is the bus had only been sitting for about 11 days.  Before I put all the computers in for the 4-stroke re-power I could leave the bus unplugged and off the charger for 2 months without draining the battery.  Yes, this was with the main power left on.

Before I burn any time/effort on looking for rogue power draw I thought I would find out from you guys with computer controlled engines how long your batteries hold out?

[edroelle]

Brian,

By "main power", I assume key off, battery on.

I have heard that it is recommended to turn off batteries on Series 60.  I have not done that, and have not seen a battery drain after 3+ weeks. 

I would expect that the Cummins electronics were designed with very low battery drain also.

Ed Roelle
Flint, MI

[belfert]

The batteries on my bus will stay up for weeks or months with the main disconnect switch off.  The DDEC III for my Series 60 gets power even with the disconnect off.

[HB of CJ]

Brian...could there be something drawing juice besides the mill computers?  Sucking down your starting batteries soosss fast means there is one heck of a phantom load somewheres.

Was there anything else you added or did that might account for the draw?  Stuff like this drives me simply crazy---you tooss I bet.  The other alternative is that something may not be ....

...quite correct with the engine computer installation.  In my case, I found out after the fact that the bus alarm system was drawing about 10 times what the manufacture said it would.  Or well.

[TomC]

On Freightliner sleepers, we have an electonic shut down of accessories when the battery voltage drops to 12.3 volts.  It is reset when you turn on the ignition.  Good Luck, TomC

[Bob Belter]

Ahoy, Brian,

I never turn the vehicle batteries off.  They are not ever "lamp cord" charged, and are OK for months.  The Cummins M-11 does get some power always, but it is very low drain.

Enjoy /s/ Bob

[Brian Diehl]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.  I'm wondering if my "used" Vanner equalizer is to blame as that is the only other power system change I made.  Anyone ever come across instructions for how to test and validate the equalizer is working?

[Sammy]

Brian, check this out.......http://vanner.com/   

[Brian Diehl]

Brian, check this out.......http://vanner.com/   

Will do, thanks Sammy ...