Grounding locations
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Johnson City
1Ton I did all the testing you described in and out of the vehicle. With the engine running I got 14.2V. I have a pretty nice meter so thats def not an issue. When I got home last night I took all the connections loose and cleaned them thoroughly. Found another ground to make and the lead from the starter to the relay. I have an ammeter on the dash. I will test the regulator tonight after work. Thanks for the info !
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,606
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From: San Jose, CA
Interesting. That 14.2v reading is more than enough to keep the battery charged. Under normal conditions anyway.
I suppose to check that 100% would be to rig up a temporary volt-meter you could see from the driver's seat while driving. If it stays at the 14+ range you know the charging system is fine, and to look elsewhere for your issue.
If it slowly goes down to lower voltages though, then something is keeping it from working at it's full potential.
Interested to hear what else you find, and how it all works after the new cables and grounding points are made.
Maybe something just doesn't like the extra heat under the hood after driving awhile. Of course, that could be several of the same things (starter, battery, cables, alternator, etc) but it sounds like you're narrowing down the field at least.
Good luck!
Paul
I suppose to check that 100% would be to rig up a temporary volt-meter you could see from the driver's seat while driving. If it stays at the 14+ range you know the charging system is fine, and to look elsewhere for your issue.
If it slowly goes down to lower voltages though, then something is keeping it from working at it's full potential.
Interested to hear what else you find, and how it all works after the new cables and grounding points are made.
Maybe something just doesn't like the extra heat under the hood after driving awhile. Of course, that could be several of the same things (starter, battery, cables, alternator, etc) but it sounds like you're narrowing down the field at least.
Good luck!
Paul
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Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Johnson City
I’ve been meaning to update this thread but haven’t had time between the family and working a bit of OT these past few days. After replacing all the old wires she starts beautifully, so apparently it was the grounds. Buffed areas with sandpaper and cleaned all connections with contact cleaner. This is after doing about every electrical test that I felt comfortable doing, using both my original shop manuals and Haynes repair manual as references. Bought a new regulator but never installed because the original tested just as good as the new one. Hope this helps someone in the future.
More Turbo
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Dennis
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