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1973 W100 4x4 battery won't charge

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Old Feb 7, 2014 | 11:33 PM
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Default 1973 W100 4x4 battery won't charge

I just purchased this truck This week, drove it home about 30 miles ran AWESOME. But noticed the lights getting dimmer as I drove home. This morning I tried to start it and the battery is dead. The battery is new as is the alternator. I opened the fuse block and noticed the fuse clamp marked BATT. ACC. is broken. only a metal clamp on one end of the fuse holder is there. Could this be the problem? Any advice would be appreciated!
 
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Old Feb 7, 2014 | 11:56 PM
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The 1973 trucks have a external voltage regulator. Did you check the charging system and what was the voltage? There was a tool to put the alternator in full field, and that was the way to tell if the regulator was bad. And sure the broken metal clamp could be the problem too.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2014 | 12:43 AM
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Originally Posted by 73_4x4
I just purchased this truck This week, drove it home about 30 miles ran AWESOME. But noticed the lights getting dimmer as I drove home. This morning I tried to start it and the battery is dead. The battery is new as is the alternator. I opened the fuse block and noticed the fuse clamp marked BATT. ACC. is broken. only a metal clamp on one end of the fuse holder is there. Could this be the problem? Any advice would be appreciated!

Obviously, from your post, you were running on the battery and not charging. Was the regulator replaced also?
 
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Old Feb 8, 2014 | 07:42 AM
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Welcome to DF. Moving to the correct section.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2014 | 08:08 PM
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Default Thanks!

I tried a new voltage regulator and ground wire and the alternator is working. I appreciate your help!!
 
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Old Feb 16, 2014 | 07:26 AM
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Glad to hear it! Love it when its a quick and easy fix.
 
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