beyond stumped...
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
beyond stumped...
I have a 1987 f350 idi. My alternator system was working great...and now it isn't working at all. I have replaced the alternator and the voltage regulator (twice) and the alternator still is still not putting anything out. And i have checked every wire connection i know of. If i recharge my batteries overnight my voltage gauge only shows 10-12ish volts when i turn the key and if my regulator is unhooked, it still shows this. PLEASE HELP! I have even taken it to a shop I got so desperate, and they gave it back and said they couldnt figure it out!
Oh and the downside...a mouse got into the wiring years ago and the last owner "fixed" it...needless to say it looks like WWIII and my glow plugs are now activated be a push button. So there are lots of things cut and unhooked. If you need pictures to help me figure this out id be more than happy to take some... Thanks!
Oh and the downside...a mouse got into the wiring years ago and the last owner "fixed" it...needless to say it looks like WWIII and my glow plugs are now activated be a push button. So there are lots of things cut and unhooked. If you need pictures to help me figure this out id be more than happy to take some... Thanks!
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 10
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ahhh the main thick wire harness itself is untouched. Its just the wires surrounding the regulator that have issues...and everything has worked fine for years...but for some reason it has recently gone out...i mean there are only several wires involved with this along with the regulator and the alternator itself right?
The village idiot.
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Southern WV
Good point. A few years ago, I helped a friend with an 86 that wouldn't charge no matter what. Checked and rechecked connections for a week. I don't remember why we did this but we ended up adding a ground from the battery to the alternator pivot bolt and it started charging. I can't say for sure that was what fixed it but it appeared to be the case.
In a recent thread, someone (subford I believe) posted a diagram of the engine wiring that may be of help. I'll try to locate that for you.
In a recent thread, someone (subford I believe) posted a diagram of the engine wiring that may be of help. I'll try to locate that for you.
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2011
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yes there are fusible links...and yes as far as i can tell and have checked all the wires have good continuity. now what would this adding a seperate ground wire from the alternator to the battery do? and how would i go about this? i dont fully understand the importance of the ground wires here i guess
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 105
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From: North Central Ohio
I'm not familiar with these charging systems, but I'll let you in on something I've learned. If you have a Battery Indicator Light on the dash (sometimes a Amp light) make sure the bulb is good. I have a diesel tractor with the same alternator / regulator setup as most vehicles and it would never charge right. The previous owner broke the indicator light somehow and I never knew one existed. (Being a diesel, it only needs power to start so it took me awhile to find out I had an issue) I got a wiring diagram, added a indicator light, and it works fine as can be. So if you haven't checked for that I suggest look into it, unless your truck doesn't have one.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
yes there are fusible links...and yes as far as i can tell and have checked all the wires have good continuity. now what would this adding a seperate ground wire from the alternator to the battery do? and how would i go about this? i dont fully understand the importance of the ground wires here i guess
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: North Central Ohio
Alright!!! Yeah that was my issue. It's confusing ain't it? haha
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 10
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I feel so dumb...oh well, now I have a new alternator and regulator...and now that ive finally joined this forum, i might try to fix the other long list of things that dont work right on this truck
tachometer is broke
oil pressure gauge floats freely
fuel gauge wobbles
speedometer is 10 off
cruise control dont work
no horn
my glow plugs arent wired into my ignition
...i got some work to do lol do you think id get more luck posting for help in this catagory or should i put it in the pre powerstroke catagory?
tachometer is broke
oil pressure gauge floats freely
fuel gauge wobbles
speedometer is 10 off
cruise control dont work
no horn
my glow plugs arent wired into my ignition
...i got some work to do lol do you think id get more luck posting for help in this catagory or should i put it in the pre powerstroke catagory?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: North Central Ohio
You might be better off here. Eventually someone will tell you the best place to go. I don't think Powerstroke would be the best place for that trucks year. As for the truck itself, this is the perfect spot. If it has to do with the engine, the diesel section would be best I'm sure