Quote:

Thanks for the reply.

I just went out and tried it and it looks like my alternator isn't charging. Do I use the amps readout or volatage on the volt meter? Also, do I keep the big battery wire hooked up to the alternator when doing this test?

I have keyed on going to both the regulator(flat style), and to the one field on the alternator (does it matter which field connection?). I have a ground strap going from the engine to the firewall and connecting on the regulator.



Sounds likeyou are using a 70/ later "isolated field" alternator

Your "keyed" (ignition run) should go to the "top of the triangle" of the regulator, and it does NOT matter which field connection also gets "igniton run." Make DOUBLY sure that these are actually getting close to battery voltage.

Disconnect the field wire that feeds back to the regulator, and use a clip lead to ground that alternator terminal.

Run the car in "low" or "med" cruise and you should see charge, the more RPM, the more charge.

If you don't think so, double check with a voltmeter first at the battery, and if low, check right at the alternator stud. If it's low, down around 12, do the following:

First make sure that you have a good connection from the alternator stud (output) to the battery. If nothing else, build a temporary jumper out of AT LEAST no10 wire, go directly from the stud to the battery.

Disconnect the ign run feed to the field, hook a clip lead from the output stud of the alternator to one field terminal. Ground the other fiend terminal with a second clip lead

THIS should cause a charging condition. If it does not, you have alternator problems

If it does, either you have a wiring problem or a bad regulator.

To check the wiring to the regulator, assuming the first "clip lead" method worked, pull the connector off the regulator and identify the field lead (Ign run is "top of the triangle")

GROUND this terminal of the connector. If the alternator charges, AND you definately have "ign run" voltage at the other terminal of the regulator connector, it's probably a bad regulator. (New does not mean good)