[markpj23]

Originally Posted by stellar

Markpj3 , How many wires are going to the alternator plug?

Here's a picture of the alternator connections. Is this what you meant?

[stellar]

Yes. This tells me you have (or need) the 1119511 regulator and wiring to reg is correct. Do the test that Quicksilver mentioned in post #14.

[stellar]

Yes. This tells me the wiring to the regulator is correct and you have (or need) the 1119511 regulator. Do the test Quicksilver mentioned in post#14

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by "QUICK-SILVER"

......
(1) Need a running volt test from alternator B+ post.

Reads 13.4 v with the battery cable disconnected, reading the alt B+ terminal to chassis.

Originally Posted by "QUICK-SILVER"

......(2) Engine off, Battery + cable off... Take an ohm reading from alt + post to the loose battery + cable end. I suspect you'll find it open or really high resistance.

Reads less than 1 ohm resistance.

I think my next step is to pull the regulator off and see what I've got there...

[stellar]

I don't understand what you did for test #1. Can you take a volt reading at the alt pos post when the engine is running? The battery must be connected.

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by stellar

I don't understand what you did for test #1. Can you take a volt reading at the alt pos post when the engine is running? The battery must be connected.

Reads the same 13.3 - 13.4 v whether battery is connected or not.

[stellar]

Well that threw me a curve ball. I don't see how you got 14.2 v in the first post. Is the belt tight? Pull the plug out of the reg. Look at the reg terminals. Are there 3 or 4? If 3 it is the correct reg. If 4 you will need to take the reg cover off to see if it has 1 or 2 coils. The plug has 2 wires. The blue is the field wire going to the alt. The other is an on off wire from the ignition switch. With the plug out and the key in the run position test that other wire for voltage.

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by stellar

Well that threw me a curve ball. I don't see how you got 14.2 v in the first post. Is the belt tight? Pull the plug out of the reg. Look at the reg terminals. Are there 3 or 4? If 3 it is the correct reg. If 4 you will need to take the reg cover off to see if it has 1 or 2 coils. The plug has 2 wires. The blue is the field wire going to the alt. The other is an on off wire from the ignition switch. With the plug out and the key in the run position test that other wire for voltage.

I have the 3 terminal regulator. Ran the test and I get battery voltage when the key is turned on.

Took the regulator off and it seems to be fairly new. Some signs of heat on the resistors but nothing gone up in smoke. However, resistance is less than 3 ohms reading across each resistor. Not sure what it should be.

Starting to suspect a cheap-o battery is in need of replacement.... even though it seems to hold charge OK. Could be dying when hot.. ?

[stellar]

With reg plug out, and car running with volt meter on battery, jump the 2 wires on the reg plug. Do not keep it connected this way for more than about 15 seconds. With the connection made read battery voltage and if possible look at your amp gague.

[hobbygto65]

Here's how my alternator regulator is wired. It has the two wire set up.

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by hobbygto65

Here's how my alternator regulator is wired. It has the two wire set up.

Thanks for this. Looks like mine is wired the same way.

Thinking I have an intermittent connection - checking wiring.

[stellar]

If you suspect a battery problem you should have it checked. The wire wound resistors on the reg do get hot, so signs of heat are normal

[markpj23]

SO the other day the car would not start after a drive around town. Got a jump and it fired right up, so I figured the charging system had let me down.

The past few days I have been out with a fully charged battery, and have had a hard time starting. Looks like I have a solenoid or bendix going bad. Starter will engage but then disengage too soon and make a rumbling sort of noise - not a gear grinding noise.

So guess I'll be looking for a new starter and/or a remote solenoid (ala Ford) if my starter will work with it.

[stellar]

Yep. New starter, new battery, new relay, new alternator, new regulator and new ammeter and you should be all set.

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by stellar

Yep. New starter, new battery, new relay, new alternator, new regulator and new ammeter and you should be all set.

this can be an expensive hobby

[stellar]

yep

["QUICK-SILVER"]

Hot battery, rumbling noise, charge acting up....

Make sure all your cable ends are clean and tight. Especially the bat + cable and hot wire on the starter solenoid.

Clay

[VCho455]

I suggest doing some homework at the Mad electrical web site. Detailed information on the charging system. Knowledge is powerful tool.

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml