Charging system problem
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Charging system problem
I have a 1991 ford econoline e-350. I recently changed out my distributor since I was getting only a sporadic spark to my ignition coil. My van starts fine now, except now all of a sudden my charging system isn’t working for my battery. After recharging my battery, and starting my van, I attach the battery/charging system tester to my battery and it only shows my battery at it’s current charged level. No reading on the charging side. I don’t think changing the distributor has anything to do with affecting the charging system but I thought I’d mention it. What might I check re my charging system not working? Any help would be greatly appreciated. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: NY, NY
I take this as your spark plug, no? Is the battery light in the dash illuminated?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
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if you have a windsor 5.0/5.8 then the alternator harness should run past the distributor to the starter relay. maybe a wire got pinched under the dist or it was unplugged, also if it got shorted the fusible link should be by the starting relay. If the link stretches it is burnt check the output on the alt post.
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Why might it only be reading 12 volts when running? i.e. does this help determining what might be the problem?
Thanks, Kent
Thanks, Kent
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
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From: Maryville
A good battery is 12 volts, you could be reading the battery, the alternator reads 13-14 as it's charging, doesn't sound to me like it's charging.
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Parts stores here definitely are equipped to test alternators. Note these alternators have internal voltage regulators. However you must remove the alternator so they can run them on tester. The beauty of the test rig is it eliminates any other possibility. If confirmed OK, the problem has to be in vehicle wiring.
Tests done in place can leave you to isolate an alternator problem from wiring problem. When you check output terminal on alternator & find 12.5 volts (normal battery voltage) sitting or w/key on, then less volts running it 'smells' like an alternator issue, NOT fusible link or wiring issue. Burned out fusible link = 0 volts.
These integrated units usually run & run, then one day just go snit.
These integrated units usually run & run, then one day just go snit.
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Will do Maples...thank you, and everybody else so far for your help. I appreciate the time taken to delineate my issue. I'll check back with what I find out. I'm gonna do a quick search re what's involved in pulling the altenator.
Kent
Kent
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Well, I started pulling the altenator and while doing so, I discovered a broken wire which splices into the three-wire plug into the regulator. I fixed it, got my altenator back in proper position and started up my van. Attached my battery tester to my battery and it light up like a Christmas tree!!! Now charging at 13.5 volts. Funny thing is, now my Anti Lock brake light is on...Oh well, thanks everybody for your help.
I had looked for broken wires, but had missed this one.
Any ideas regarding the ABS light?
I had looked for broken wires, but had missed this one.
Any ideas regarding the ABS light?