Dead short killing batteries

[whitechief]

My 1997 7.3 Ford powerstroke has a dead short somewhere and is killing my batteries in about 15 minutes.I've replaced my alternator and have brand new batteries.If I charge the batteries I can get the truck to start 1 time but when I shut it down and go to start it back up Nothing.I'm getting tired of being stranded everywhere I go.Please help

[belz]

Only thing I can think of is to disconnect the positive or ground cable. Connect it back but with a light bulb in between (hook up wires to a bulb and put one on the battery post and the other on the cables). The bulb should light up. Then start pulling fuses one by one (put them back in if there is no affect on the bulb). Once u pull the fuse for the circuit with the short, the bulb should turn off. This will at least help u narrow down your search for the short. Sorry, but that is all that comes to mind. Make sure you close the door latch with a screwdriver so the truck thinks the door is closed (if the door pin is in the latch) or make sure the pin is in.

[whitechief]

I pulled all fuses 1 at a time.Light still on

[Chop]

If you have that much draw on the two batteries I would be inclined to think it's something big pulling large amprege and creating lots of heat.The light test referenced is a good way for checking draws.I mentioned heat earlier,with fresh unhooked batteries on a cold truck ,I would connect batteries and begin to feel by hand,all cables,starter,glow plug relay,starter relay and anything else comes to mind for heat.I had a semi loose connection on driver's battery negative cable where it mounts to engine block,it drove my gauges and me crazy.Like most electrical problems it's usually simple.

[desertdeer]

it isnt uncommon for the glow plug relay to stibk shut and drain the batteries that quick. i would check there first