Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Chargine issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 16, 2016 | 01:05 PM
  #1  
ubereal2's Avatar
ubereal2
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
Chargine issue

I have a 79 F150, "Ka'Bluey" with a 400, C6, 4x4. And I think the alternator is shot, and I know there are wiring issues. There's without a doubt a short in the wiring that will kill the battery in day's of setting. So I have a battery disconnect switch installed, so when it isn't being driven, I just kill everything. Not a fix, but also not a dead battery.
I had just rebuilt the carb and got it back on this afternoon, and just to see if the Alternator is working, I flipped the switch and killed power everywhere. And also killed the truck, but with all of the wiring issues that are there I'm wondering if anybody has pictures of that alternator, or some color coded chart so I can see if it is wired up correctly. Still has the old Ford alternator with external regulator. Or I could have a bad regulator

Unk Bob
 
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2016 | 01:18 PM
  #2  
karjunkie's Avatar
karjunkie
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Lexington. Mi.
Sounds like it could be a bad alternator, could take the alternator off an go get it tested at a parts house, regulars are inexpensive n u can have a new one on the cheap, Wich can seceruity
 
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2016 | 01:44 PM
  #3  
77&79F250's Avatar
77&79F250
Moderator & parts slinger
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,256
Likes: 5,816
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Club FTE Gold Member
Unk Bob...stereo direct wired? Brake lights sticking on?
 
Attached Images    
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2016 | 06:56 AM
  #4  
ubereal2's Avatar
ubereal2
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
Originally Posted by 77&79F250
Unk Bob...stereo direct wired? Brake lights sticking on?
No to all Rich, the stereo that is in there isn't the one I sold it with, and the wires were everywhere, so I took them all out. And no lights are left on. There has been a short in there the entire time I owned him.

I really think it's alternator time, just want to double check wiring before I go taking stuff off. Process of elimination

Unk Bob
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2016 | 07:12 AM
  #5  
77&79F250's Avatar
77&79F250
Moderator & parts slinger
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,256
Likes: 5,816
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Club FTE Gold Member
Well pull that alternator, go get it bench tested and pick up a new voltage regulator.

I know there is a thread or 2 about looking for a "parasitic drain"...I am looking for you.
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2016 | 08:01 AM
  #6  
ubereal2's Avatar
ubereal2
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
Originally Posted by 77&79F250
Well pull that alternator, go get it bench tested and pick up a new voltage regulator.

I know there is a thread or 2 about looking for a "parasitic drain"...I am looking for you.

I appreciate that Rich
I'm really thinking about doing a 3G alternator swap

Unk Bob
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2016 | 08:45 PM
  #7  
RaventreeJohn's Avatar
RaventreeJohn
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Naselle WA
This thread has a video explaining finding a parasitic drain.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...try-drain.html
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2016 | 10:18 PM
  #8  
mountain dewd's Avatar
mountain dewd
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 7
From: O-O-O-Oreilly's
With everything off, take the negative battery cable and tap it to its terminal. Spark=drain, Make any noises? Check ignition switch, bad starter solenoid. etc. If you are up for it, rewiring isn't rocket surgery and lasts a good while. I am getting through my rewire pretty easily and I am the worst electrician in the world.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 18, 2016 | 06:44 AM
  #9  
ubereal2's Avatar
ubereal2
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
Thanks for the help guy's, I'm going back out this morning and see what I come up with.
The Alternator tested good yesterday, I've removed the Voltage Regulator and found a terminal that is rust covered. I'm going to clean it up, and double check the ground and give that a try.
I'll let you know what I come up with.

Unk Bob
 
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2016 | 06:50 AM
  #10  
ubereal2's Avatar
ubereal2
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
I'm hoping this fix's my not charging issue. I'm going to remove this rust, and check for good grounds and see what happens.

Unk Bob
 
Attached Images  
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2016 | 02:46 PM
  #11  
ubereal2's Avatar
ubereal2
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
After getting that rust removed, and fixing a couple of "iffy" grounds, we're charging

Unk Bob
 
Attached Images  
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2016 | 02:50 PM
  #12  
mountain dewd's Avatar
mountain dewd
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 7
From: O-O-O-Oreilly's
Great!! Glad to hear that is all it took.
 
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 09:20 AM
  #13  
ZarK-eh's Avatar
ZarK-eh
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 862
Likes: 7
From: like subarctic, brrr man!
Use some Dielectric Compound on those contacts (and other various connectors) to prevent corrosion.

I also slather white lithium grease on everything as well to keep the nasty environment away from my electrons.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CharlsChainCharlson
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
May 18, 2016 06:51 PM
WhiskeyRider
Electrical Systems/Wiring
1
Feb 1, 2010 12:40 AM
Sillbeer
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Apr 7, 2009 03:46 PM
usmccorrections
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jan 30, 2004 05:15 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:36 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE