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Another point of view. I think you have a drain on your batt. Use your meter to see what current is being drawn with the engine off and on what circuit. Have you had problems with power door locks for eg.?
"measured voltage across battery terminals (all following measurements made this way) to be 14.4v. good sign!"
Yep. Proves charging system is working. 14.4V is on the upper end though expected if the battery needs recharging.
"this time it was at 13.3v, turned on lights and radio, dropped to 13.1v. seems a little low to me. anyways,"
Depending on temperature, voltage output varies. 13.3v is still charging. Note that as the engine was running, you were measuring alt. output and not batt ability. 13.1v just indicates current draw.
"stopped the car and the battery voltage dropped down to 12.0. also a little low for my liking."
It's a 12v battery. If it had dropped to 11v then there's a problem.
"i'm thinking the battery can't hold a charge, "
"i unhook both battery cables and leave it sit overnight to make sure it's not draining from something else. next morning voltage is still at 12 volts"
Obviously the batt is holding its charge (it didn't drop below 12v). Now if you were to leave it hooked up overnight and found voltage was down the next day, then you'd have a current draw.
So, I suggest you check for current draw, before you buy a new batt and find that it too leaves you stranded.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans
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