Expert: Ben Deutschman - 9/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a 85 ford 150.  The truck will start cold, but was I drive it and it get hot it will not start.  The battery is drained while I am driving.  I changed the battery, start, solenoid.  Can this be wire short?

ANSWER: I would have also tested the Alternator. It is possible that it is either just plain no good, or at least not charging as it gets warm from driving. If you don't have a proper Analyzer, or know how to use one, then it might pay to have the existing Alternator tested, unless of course the cost exceeds what a replacement Alternator would be. You can price Alternators Online at Autozone.com, or Partsamerica.com.

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QUESTION: I had it tested and it was good.

Answer
I would say then you you may have a high resistence short, (better known as a loose or dirty connection) somewhere between the Battery and the Alternator. I don't thinik you'd have a direct short.

Also, I'm assuming that when you tested the Alternator, that you checked not only for Voltage output, but also for Amperage. A Factory Shop Manual would give you the correct specs on the Amperage.