I was driving down the road heading to work and all of a sudden my battery light started blinking. The truck did a usual im starved of fuel thing where it wont stall but keep going. I pulled off to the side and once i came to a stop the truck completely stalled out. I had this issue about 6-7 months ago when i was driving and something shorted. Turned out my battery wire was loose and shorted on the hood. now i know my battery wire is tight. Another thing is while searching on the net, i saw it was a alternator issue. My alternator was replaced 2yrs ago just before i bought the truck. I also had to buy a new battery when i bought the truck because the one that was in it was tiny. Recently i replaced the distributor rotor and cap because they were worn and corroded. before i moved back to ny (about a year ago and only 6000 miles later) i replaced the spark plugs. I have yet to replace the wires because ive been strapped with cash. After work ill be checking my fuses to see if any were blown. Another thing, when i tried to start the truck for the first time in the day, it didnt turn over but it sounded like a vacuum. I get that here and there but i didnt think anything of it because it happens here and there. I did move recently to a more moist environment (live next to lake onterio). Every morning I see dew on my truck since i moved in.

 

I wouldn't think that this should bother it...I live near Lake Ontario also and that's never bothered any of my older vehicles.

How's your voltage regulator?

 

im going to be flat out honest, i have no idea where that is located but i did read about that while i was searching online

 

If you follow the wiring off the back of the alternator they should plug right into the voltage regulator.

My voltage regulator is right next to the solenoid and battery on the passenger side, but who knows where who has moved what lol.

 

It sounds like your battery is low on juice. That creates a very weak spark, and the truck won't pull well, or even run at all. There are several suspects, including both the positive and negative cables and connections, alternator, regulator, associated wiring, and belt. But not the humidity.

 

Ill replace the voltage regulator, its in the same spot as your described. It wouldnt surprise me that its going since random parts here and there all small (except a few currently) are going. Might be even the reason why its misfiring somewhat

 

Before you start throwing parts at it, do a little diagnosis. Perhaps it isn't electrical. Put a volt meter on the battery with the engine off. A fully charged battery should show between 12.5 and 12.8 volts when not under load. Next, start the engine and check the battery voltage. With the engine on fast idle the voltage should be about 14.0 if the alternator is working.

 

"Another thing, when i tried to start the truck for the first time in the day, it didnt turn over but it sounded like a vacuum".


Do the checks suggested by the others... but I remembered that you said the above in red, in your original post. That is a new description to me, but it sounds like you are describing the sound of a starter motor which has not engaged [bendix problem]. This likely is not part of the suspected charging issue but something else to look at.

 

Ive heard of starters not engaging completely due to a weak battery. Try jumping it to see if the starter turns over like normal, prob not likely as stated above but worth a try so as not to throw parts at it.

 

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around what it's doing, because I can't picture what year. what model and what engine it has in it. Some regulators are on the back of the alternator, some are on the inner fender, depending on what you have.

 

Here you go fresh from my phone. Yes I am aware of the oil leak, and no its not bad at all till it gets cold.
https://goo.gl/photos/dB7c74s3E4AN8xpc8

Engine
300cu
4.9 Straight 6
4 speed manual (currently has a bent driveshaft)
2wd

 

Nice looking truck. I'd trade a v8 for a 300 any day.

Do what Gary stated with the voltage tester. That should give you some good insight on which route to take.

 

pyrotvfun,

I just looked at the photos. This may not help, but certainly will not hurt... the positive cable going from the battery to the solenoid looks like it could use a good cleaning with a wire brush.

All electrical connections [battery cables and ground straps] are susceptible to road chemicals, etc. As they corrode, the cables do not allow the current to flow as well. This can cause all sorts of problems.

Take each cable off, one at a time, and clean it as well as the surface it connects to. It is wise to apply some dielectric grease to the surfaces as you reconnect. This will help slow down future corrosion.

Again, I am not being critical... just hoping to help!

 

Working with 6 volt systems for a number of years....I can tell You that good clean connections are imperative to electrical systems regardless of voltage. As stated above, insure that all of the systems wiring and connections are up to snuff before spending time with the "parts trial and error process".

 

Did you ever figure this out?