on a 1990 dakota with a 2.5 4 cyl at idle? mine is about 13 volts and that seems a little low.

 

That's adequate.

What does it charge at on the road?

Also - how are you measuring it? The dash gauges are ... somewhat slightly inaccurate at times. And water can be slightly wet, too

RwP

 

if i rev it up while it is sitting it gets up to 14 volts. if i let it sit for a day or so it won't start.

 

Test the battery.

 

it is a brand new battery but i will have it tested at toby's battery

 

If it does dead overnight, and the battery is actually good, something is staying on, and killing it. Typical culprits are the glove box/ashtray lights, underhood light, or a stuck relay. (for the fuel pump, or similar.)

 

Ayep.

Could be under hood light.

Could be the time delay relay.

I'd pull the 5A fuse in the fuseblock to disable those items, and see if the battery takes up.

RwP

 

the clutch is getting tired i have to push it all the way to the floor then it starts fine. there is only 188,000 miles on the clutch and engine.

 

Oooo-kay.

Yah, the clutch is probably pretty much worn down to a nub by now.

But that has to do with the battery going down ... what?

RwP

 

starts fine now just had to clean the brushes.