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May 30, 2015 | 03:31 PM

sweet55

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From: metro detroit

Alternator question

I have power at the battery side but I get no reading on the field side when the truck is running and the alternator checks out good. So far I've replaced the voltage regulator and alternator and still not getting a charge back to the battery. Any ideas.
Thanks
Mike

May 30, 2015 | 03:53 PM

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

Their usually needs to be power to the field to "excite" it, this is typically done through the regulator (which must have a good ground, as well as everything else, e.g. engine, frame, body). Clean the mounting point for the regulator, that is how they typically ground, you also run an additional ground wire to be sure.

May 30, 2015 | 05:50 PM

sweet55

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From: metro detroit

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckeemtnfords

Thanks, I'll give it a try. Electrical is so frustrating

May 31, 2015 | 10:37 AM

truckeemtnfords

Logistics Pro

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

It definitely can be, another option is to upgrade to a single wire alternator or a GM internal regulated alt. It cleans up the system and wiring. I typically switch my older vehicles over to the stock GM internal style. Easy to do and you can find one on any street corner.

May 31, 2015 | 11:09 AM

sweet55

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From: metro detroit

Is there supposed to be power going to or from the "I" side of the regulator, i have zero both ways when the truck is running or not and I have zero on the field side.
Thanks
Mike

Jun 1, 2015 | 05:50 AM

sweet55

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From: metro detroit

got it figured out, all is well.
thanks for all the help guys.
mike

Jun 1, 2015 | 10:44 AM

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

What did you find wrong? Nobody else piped in but I would like to know so that I may be able to help myself or someone else in the future.

Glad you got it working.

Just for info here is a neat diagram. Alternator wiring is shown below the generator diagram.
http://www.wiring-wizard.com/Diagrams/GENERATOR.jpg

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Jun 2, 2015 | 05:27 AM

sweet55

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From: metro detroit

[QUOTE=truckeemtnfords;15400921]What did you find wrong? Nobody else piped in but I would like to know so that I may be able to help myself or someone else in the future.

Glad you got it working.
turns out that when I replaced the gauges with the one from classic instruments I disconnected the power source to the "I" terminal on the voltage regulator. finally figured out what "exciting" the regulator meant and now it works great. thank you and the other members of the forum for all the help.
just want to point out the folks at classic were not responsible it was my own lack of electrical knowledge, they to provided excellent support.
thanks again
mike