6" Vermeer chipper wont charge

[jd4310man]

Just picked up a Vermeer 6" self feeding wood chipper, has a cckb Onan engine and the only issue im having is its not charging the battery, The stater is putting out current to the regulator and the regulator seems to be putting out dc voltage to the battery. I noticed that when I plug the wires into the regulator the middle terminal sparks. If i leave it plugged in it will drain the battery overnight. Any thoughts on why it would be draining the battery? Could it be grounding out somewhere?

 

[davesl708]

Sounds like it may be grounding as you suspect.
Have you load tested the battery to make sure it is not shorting out internally and can hold a load?

 

[jd4310man]

Im pretty sure the battery is good, is it possible for the stater to have a short in it? How can it be tested?

 

[4570Man]

First I would load test the battery and then let it sit a day or two disconnected and see if it holds a charge. I'd check the alternator next.

 

[skyhook]

Have you tried another regulator?

 

[jd4310man]

I did, the middle terminal still sparked. Could the stater be grounding out?

 

[stevem5215]

Put a dc ampmeter inline with the battery and start disconnecting stuff till the meter stops reading current. You'll figure it out that way a lot easier than just guessing.

Steve