Charging issue or maybe not?
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Charging issue or maybe not?
1976 f100 4x4 w/ 360 and 4 speed.
I have been just using the truck close by but now venturing further out I'm in the middle of fixing the charging system. So far I have replaced the alternator with a 65amp alt, new external regulator, belts, and battery. I still don't think I'm charging. I cleaned all connectors when installing the new goods.
I'm new to the external reg stuff so not sure what I'm hunting down. I've got a crappy repair manual from the parts store but its very vague.
First crank with new stuff was great, drove it about 10-15 miles with a few cranks. When at idle I'm reading 12.5 volts at the battery, I'm used to 13-14ish. Then while running I unhooked the battery and she died, I thought if it were charging it would idle unhooked.
Any ideas, advice, schematics would be appreciated.
I know a lot of you have went to the high output upgrade but I'm just not to that point yet. Trying to just get it running and consistent.
Thanks as always
Robby
I have been just using the truck close by but now venturing further out I'm in the middle of fixing the charging system. So far I have replaced the alternator with a 65amp alt, new external regulator, belts, and battery. I still don't think I'm charging. I cleaned all connectors when installing the new goods.
I'm new to the external reg stuff so not sure what I'm hunting down. I've got a crappy repair manual from the parts store but its very vague.
First crank with new stuff was great, drove it about 10-15 miles with a few cranks. When at idle I'm reading 12.5 volts at the battery, I'm used to 13-14ish. Then while running I unhooked the battery and she died, I thought if it were charging it would idle unhooked.
Any ideas, advice, schematics would be appreciated.
I know a lot of you have went to the high output upgrade but I'm just not to that point yet. Trying to just get it running and consistent.
Thanks as always
Robby
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Never do this! The battery is responsible for sinking alternator output current and helps provide regulation. If you unhook the battery, the system voltage can spike very high and fry any onboard electronics, such as the ignition module. The fact that the truck died when you did this tells you nothing about the charging system.
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Junior User
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The battery unhooking was recommended by a co worker. I had never tried it before then.
The truck was flat ground, in neutral, with no brakes applied at about 800-900 rpm.
Just not sure what to check to make sure I am charging.
Thanks
The truck was flat ground, in neutral, with no brakes applied at about 800-900 rpm.
Just not sure what to check to make sure I am charging.
Thanks
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Under those conditions, I would expect a little higher. If you rev the engine, does the voltage climb to 14? This will at least tell you if the regulator is responding. If it is, then there are a couple things to check with regard to the low reading at idle.
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deerhuntertyler
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jan 11, 2013 09:53 PM
