RV Repair: Electrical System, ford conversion van, broken bolt


Question
Hello Scott,

I own a 1987 Ford Conversion Van and am experiencing problems with the electrical system. For some reason, the battery drains. I bought a new battery just  to find it "dead" again, the morning after I had it installed. I wanted to get the altenator replaced, but the bolts are frozen. The mechanic said, the alternator still puts out about 75%. So here are my questions:

1.What could be the cause for the battery to drain,
2. Any suggestion, of how to loosen a frozen bolt withouth having it breaking?

I was told by the mechanic, that it could be very expensive, if he has to drill out the broken bolt.

I really would like to use my van for a few more seasons, it always ran fine.

Thanks so much for your help. I am a single woman and don't know too much about car mechanics.

Erika

Answer
Hi Erica,
There could be a lot of things draining the battery. To find it do this.Take off the negative cable,put a 12v test-light between the post on the battery and the cable itself. The light will be lit if there is any draw on the battery.Now to find out where it is pull out all the fuses one at a time to try and make the light go off. The one you pull out that makes the light go off is the circuit that the draw is on.
remember this will show all draws so make sure the interior light is out. Put a piece of tape over the switch on the drivers door so you can keep the door open without causing a draw.
Now that you have found the circuit read the owners manual to see what is on that fuse.
If you pull out all the fuses and the light is still lit the alternator COULD be the problem.Take off the charge line at the alternator (the biggest wire going to it) if the light goes out then the alternator is bad.
Getting out frozen bolts is an art not a science. Which bolt is it? is it the small one that allows you to adjust the belt tension? or is it the main pivot bolt that goes right into the engine block?
Scott