electrical power drain

[nix6t2bird]

With the key turned off and the doors closed should there be any power drain on the battery other than the electric clock pulse?

[simplyconnected]

I love questions like this. You don't say which car this pertains to, you don't say whether you have an aftermarket radio, etc.

If we're talking about a stock '62 Thunderbird, the short answer is, NO.

Batteries left alone will discharge by themselves, especially if ambient temperatures drop. A very small trickle charger of one or two amps will keep it topped off. Now they sell solar chargers for folks who park the car (or camper) away from power.

Some of our members use a cut-off switch on the battery post. A disconnect is cheap insurance that eliminates the possibility of any drain (but you still need to keep it charged). Lead acid batteries last longest when kept with a full charge (and with proper water level). If you want to kill one, leave it discharged. The acid turns to water that could freeze and crack the case. - Dave

[nix6t2bird]

Love the post

Thanks for the input. Will be more specific next time. You are correct ... 1962 bird all original.

[simplyconnected]

'62 Thunderbird was the last year for generators. They have regulators that disconnect the generator from the battery when the key is turned off. It's pretty fool-proof. If the regulator goes out, the generator simply doesn't charge but the GEN light will brightly shine with the key on.

As a side thought: It baffles me, why any modern car will not shut off with the key switch. This technology is ancient and it always worked.

As soon as the car companies added relays and solid state to the ignition system, it proved to be a dangerous and sometimes fatal mistake. OLD cars had a 'start' button that never failed because the key switch offered backup protection. Shame on any car company whose car ignition systems don't directly start at the Key Switch.