why am I not charging? (updated 11/18)

[layedout72]

Alright, I have all new cables, new battery (well....used but checked by autozone and sold as new/used), and my alt checked out good.

Why am I not getting a charge? I had it up to like 11.7 running....yay how exciting, right? Should it not jump up to 13.4 when running? It's the same running as it is not cranked. Also, the voltage regulator is new.


Whats not right?

[ima71 trucks are older]

14.4 or close to it.

how old it the voltage regulator or more important the voltage regulator conector. The connector is about $4. Also make the sure the engine is grounded the the firewalll and frame. Motormounts make bad grounds.

[layedout72]

The battery is grounded on the core support and the motor is grounded on the firewall. I need to get a cable for a frame ground but I think I am okay as it runs fine and all, lights work, that kinda stuff. Voltage regulator is brand new, and the connectors are just little slide on connectors, it's not the stock style connector. they are getting a good connection.


would somewhere like autozone have the plug for the regulator?

[QC]

The battery should ground to the engine block.

[layedout72]

hmm....never had it like that before...but I will see if I can do that...

[rjewkes]

yup should be a hole up under the area around the alternator.

also mine charges fine with it bolted to the alternator bracket.

I couldn't find my hole as it may have the bolt busted off in it.

[FORDification]

Right...it should always be grounded to the block. Not the frame and not a body panel. Electricity doesn't travel through rubber very well, and that's exactly what you're asking it to do, by having to travel through rubber radiator support bushings and engine bushings.

[lightning_msd]

my farad says everytime i start it it jumps to 14.5 - 15

[basketcase0302]

You do have the voltage regulator mounted don't you?
If I'm not mistaken it too has to ground.

I'd check the voltage right at the alternator first, (sounds to me like it's not putting out). Should have way over the 11.4 like you said for sure.

Basketcase

[layedout72]

well, i will buy another cable and ground off to the block. and it should go batt to block, block to body, body to frame? is that right?

[fordman]

yes . thats right. you should have a ground from the lower valance to the frame and front bumper on the pasenger side i think if its still there. if not then that would be a good place to put one back.

[layedout72]

the purple wire that runs from the ignition switch to the I post on the regulator, and off to I believe the ammeter, I have been told I don't need it, but what exactly was it?

I have an "alt exciter" wire that I was told to hook to the I post, but I don't know if that's right or not...

Could this be part of my charging problem?

[spartman]

Here ya go layedout

http://fordfuelinjection.com/public/alt ... wiring.gif

[FORDification]

If a truck is equipped with an ammeter, the wires to it are yellow...and both of them are shunted off the cable which extends between the starter solenoid and the alternator.

The purple wire is a resistance wire, and ties into the green/red wire which extends from the voltage regulator to the instrument panel. (See this diagram.)

[layedout72]

If a truck is equipped with an ammeter, the wires to it are yellow...and both of them are shunted off the cable which extends between the starter solenoid and the alternator.

The purple wire is a resistance wire, and ties into the green/red wire which extends from the voltage regulator to the instrument panel. (See this diagram.)

okay, so i need to use the purple wire, and run it straight to the I post on the regulator? That's what i'm getting from the link spartman posted...