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I once had a '71 Ford Torino. I had trouble with the charging. Replaced the wiring from the alternator to the voltage regulator. And after that I think I destroyed 2-3 alternators. Then someone told me I had to use original wiring in the charging system because Ford had used resistor wires.
How about 1965 Ford F-100 pickup truck ? And, can a 65 F-100 use alternators from other years... from the 70ties as an example ? Or car alternators, like an alternator for a Ford Galaxie ?
I would be happy if someone could enlighten me in this.
Here is a generic wiring diagram for alternators in eighties style pickups. I have used this diagram for my 53 ford f100 to wire a ford alternator in it. But that was a totally fresh start from no wiring at all. I am sure you could use this to get your truck to charge, but you are going to have to integrate it into your original harness so the rest of the truck will get power. By the way this diagram is for a vehicle with a ammeter. One that has an idiot light is wired different.
Thanks... but, how about the resistor wires I was told about earlier.
I have already bought a new alternator for my truck. But, I am worried about making a new wiring, because I was told Ford used wires with a built in resistance in.
My entire truck needs a complete new wire loom. Under the dash I found that many wires are melted together. Or, to be more precise, the insulation has melted together. But not the copper.
How close do you think that was from a big fire... ? :-)
I am just happy nothing had happened. This is something that was happened when I bought the truck.
The only special resistance wire of any importance is the one feeding the coil positive.
They do have a special section of wire in the alternator area called a shunt. It is for the original style Ford ammeters, and if you eliminate it, the worst thing that can happen is your original ammeter won't work, which even with the original wiring, they never did work very good anyway. The best solution is not worry about the shunt and use an aftermarket voltmeter for charge monitoring.
Whatever you do, don't hook the charging system to the dash wiring till you get it fixed. Sounds like you almost had a fire.
Thanks a lot. I will probably try to find an Autometer voltage meter to put in the Amperemeter place. That means I can go the shortest way from the Alt. to the battery, and then to the ign. switch. And, I agree,,, in general the more thick wires and long in addition, makes trouble. No doubt about that. Very easy to get a warm connection after some years, and then the bad stuff starts to happen.