Alternator NOT charging
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Great American SouthWest
If the regulator won't turn the alternator on, it's either because it thinks there's already sufficient current, or it's bad
and, yes, its very possible you got a bad one at the parts store
Moderator & parts slinger
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
FYI from what I have read, taking the + battery terminal off the battery while the truck is running IS BAD. You are taking away any voltage regulation of what the alt is putting out.
Yes that is a way to trouble shoot the alternator, if the truck dies when you do that, then the alt is not working. But you run the risk of frying some items.
Yes that is a way to trouble shoot the alternator, if the truck dies when you do that, then the alt is not working. But you run the risk of frying some items.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,354
Likes: 49
From: Great American SouthWest
I can confirm that is a bad thing to do. I did it and blew up the voltage regulator. I didn't realize it wasn't charging until I was in Mexico one Saturday night, with two dead batteries.
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,266
Likes: 5,822
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
With the 90 on the end I'd bet temp sensor or oil pressure sending unit.
In case you want to replace the alternator wiring harness, that's the one that goes from the alternator to the regulator.
Harness, alternator wiring
Fits 78 f100-350 w/ amp and oil press. gauges all engines and 70 amp Ford alternator
D8TZ-14305-B
Green Sales, Cincinnati, OH had 40. out of stock today. (800) 543-4959
In case you want to replace the alternator wiring harness, that's the one that goes from the alternator to the regulator.
Harness, alternator wiring
Fits 78 f100-350 w/ amp and oil press. gauges all engines and 70 amp Ford alternator
D8TZ-14305-B
Green Sales, Cincinnati, OH had 40. out of stock today. (800) 543-4959
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,354
Likes: 49
From: Great American SouthWest
In two of my trucks, the only time I see the ammeter move is when I turn the lights on when the engine is not running.
In the 79, I changed the factory auxiliary charging system to a smart isolator, and now the ammeter clearly works, with a good 1/8 - 3/16" swing when running
The only places I recall seeing a right-angle sender like that are: the two wires to the starter solenoid, the temp sender and the oil pressure sender. If it's in the harness coming to the front of the engine, it might be for the temp gauge
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You mean a "external voltage regulator" that is screw mounted to the back side of the core support on the R/H side of the radiator? Is all that wiring is looking good, no burn, or brittle marks anywhere? Any chance you have a mouse under the dash chewing on stuff?
What have you added to your truck lately wiring wise? Stereo, trailer plug, driving lights? I ck fuses, and wiring under the hood for a bad spot. Maybe a wire got on a exhaust manifold?
By chance did you just replace your alternator? Are you sure you have an alt that is externally regulated? Have you checked the orange fusible link to be good. If the wire is stretchy is can be bad.
With it all hooked up and the truck NOT running, do you have power to the headlights?
What have you added to your truck lately wiring wise? Stereo, trailer plug, driving lights? I ck fuses, and wiring under the hood for a bad spot. Maybe a wire got on a exhaust manifold?
By chance did you just replace your alternator? Are you sure you have an alt that is externally regulated? Have you checked the orange fusible link to be good. If the wire is stretchy is can be bad.
With it all hooked up and the truck NOT running, do you have power to the headlights?
nothing new as far as electronics. Just the motor swap. I've tried a new V. Regulator, redid wiring ect. I really don't know what else to try other then a one wire Alternator
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2002 Ford 7.3 Powerstrock
My Uncle has a 02 Powerstrock and he is considering putting it out to pasture that I'm considering getting. He said it won't start unless the glow plugs are plugged in. I believe he said diesel fuel was fuel was leaking into something and that it needed a new injector cup. My questions are.
#1 Does this sound like the right diagnosis
#2 is replacing injectors something I can person do and if not, what do you guys think this or the potential problem would cost roughly. Meaning do you think it's worth getting and not spending more then a couple grand to fix. I'll get better details, in sure he said fuel was leaking into something. Thx in advance.
#1 Does this sound like the right diagnosis
#2 is replacing injectors something I can person do and if not, what do you guys think this or the potential problem would cost roughly. Meaning do you think it's worth getting and not spending more then a couple grand to fix. I'll get better details, in sure he said fuel was leaking into something. Thx in advance.
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You can check where the wires connect to your alternator, and you might find that that wire goes to the Stator terminal on the alt. If so, it was likely for an electric choke.
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