69 350 not charging.. have done all the obvious checked and tested alternator(internal regulator)checked all wire for battery/ground/ shorts/opens. Cannot find anything.Wondering if amp meter is bad will that look like an open and keep system from charging.All electrical works
-
-
Re: charging system
What tests were conducted on the alternators output? -
Re: charging system
Andy,
One very simple test, which you might know. Start engine, then disconnect battery while engine is running. If engine stalls, then problem in charging system.
JoeComment
-
Re: charging system
The original alternator was tested at the local auto parts shop along with a new I purchased in line with Joes response to dissconnect the battery. Both alternators tested fine at the shop.I disconnected the battery figuring the chargng system but cant seem to find anything,just looking for some differant ideasComment
-
Re: charging system
I don't trust the teenagers the FLAPs. We have an alternator/starter shop about 20 minutes from me that can still work on and test our old parts. I took in an underperforming 73 starter and he had it stripped down and rebuilt while we watched. Took him maybe an hour. I would see if you can drive to a place that specializes in auto electrics and have them do an on-car test.
GaryComment
-
Re: charging system
Andy, removing the battery cable while the engine running can damage your alternator. Best bet is a reliable electrical repair shop as has been recommended in another post.Dick WhittingtonComment
-
Re: charging system
with a car running you can make a quick alt charging check by touching a common screw driver to the rear bearing of the alt---should have a strong magnetic pull on the end of the screw driver or wrench etc---Comment
-
Re: charging system
Andy I may have the answer to your problem. A long long time ago I had a alternator charging problem and after trying two alternators, having a shop check out the problem and not finding it, I just drove my 70 to my destination 300 miles away on battery power. Did stop once and get a battery recharge about half way. The ignition system in a conventional points system permits hours of driving using only the ignition system to use the stored battery power. Just as a test I turned off the car and restarted it after reaching my destination. Anyway follow the the wires that are in the two wire plug to the alternator. One of these wires will go to a fusable link just above the frame area. My bet is that this fusable link has burned into. To quickly verify this make up a wire to plug into the alternator to replace the fusable link wire and connect it to the terminal on the horn relay where the fusable link wire coming from the alternator connects. I am doing this from memory since my car is home and I am at work. Hope this fixes your problem.Comment
-
Re: charging system
Dick,
You are correct in that there is a slight chance of causing damage, especially if the alternator is producing anything near one half of its rated capacity, or greater. Normally, it shouldn't be, though, as long as all of the accessories are turned off. I've done that test countless times, and have never had any problems. I think that the greater danger arises if the cable is RE-CONNECTED while the engine is running.
JoeComment
Comment