Back story. Came home last month and when I pulled into the driveway a big blue puff of smoke came up out of the right side of the engine compartment. Car was not charging at that point so I took the alternator out and had it test, it is bad.

So, I buy a new one (dual terminal) and install it. Car wont even start, no nothing. I start checking connections and the blue wire on the second bulkhead connector, bottom left had bubbled and melted. So, I cleaned the connection and it started. Now it is not charging and left me stranded last night.

I am not sure where to start checking with my voltmeter. there is voltage at the alternator main post (11.69) voltage at the field (10.74) , voltage at the ballast resistor (left 11.22) (right 8.05*****) and voltage at the regulator (10.72 Fld) (11.22 Ign)

The 8.05 off the ballast resistor scares me but I am not sure what it should be. It is reading 2.0 ohm.


Thoughts?

Check your fuseable links( I hate those things, they
could have just fused it)

you have the later electronic flat voltage regulator? These are your readings at idle w it not charging?. What is the batt voltage?

sorry, no. I have the boxier voltage regulator due to the electronic ignition.

Yes, these are the readings at idle. Battery is at 11.97 when I start but is quickly drawn down to 11.4 or below.

& you grounded the other alt field terminal

huh, well.... that was it. The ground wire had come off the field and I had not noticed there had been one on there.

It is a charging Charger now.

Thanks guys.

Jeff