I am doing a complete frame off restoration of a 65 F100. I have never done this before, so it has been a real learning experience. Seeing as I know very little (but want to learn) I had the 390 motor rebuilt by an engine shop.

So here I am completely re-wring the truck with a Painless wiring kit for a 67-72 F100. Although they are very close there are a few differences such as the ignition switch's. I had to use the 65 ignition switch rather than the one supplied with the kit, and of course there were a few differences. When I was trying to compare one to the other, I realized I really don't know how the electrical on an engine works. I am an electrician and can read schematics, but if you had to ask me what happens when you turn the ignition and how power flows through the engine, how the coil works, voltage regulator, alternator, etc.... I can't.

Is there any written explanation out there that explains how the engine actually starts, runs, charges and shuts-off in terms of the electrical system. The sort of thing that says when you turn the key power goes to the starter solenoid and to the coil, etc...... What the voltage regulator does....

I am sure this question is very basic to most everyone on the forum, but until this project, I had never worked on vehicles at all. Everyday is a new adventure.... Thanks

 

You need to break down the wiring into the different systems.

Basic systems include the ignition, charging, and lighting systems.

Here's a basic ignition system:



The relay provides power to the starter, and the wiring is not shown, but the hot lead goes from the right hand side relay terminal (looks like a nut). When the engine is cranking and the relay is engaged, the relay also allows full battery voltage to the igntion coil by bypassing the resistance wire (or it could be a fixed resistor).

A basic charging system is like this:



The regulator monitors the battery voltage (basically the alternator output) and adjusts the alternator field current to limit the charging voltage to the battery.

Lighting systems vary quite a bit, so I won't post a pic here.

I'd suggest you find a copy of this book. It explains everything.



Amazon seems to have a couple copies of the book (most likely out of print)

Amazon.com: Petersen's Basic ignition and Electrical Systems No. 4: Petersen: Books

You can also try e-bay.