wont charge
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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wont charge
My 71 f100 will not charge I changed the batterie, batterie cables and alternater. I recently bought the truck and I dont think it ever did charge since I got it because I didnt drive it untill yesterday. I am wodering if the wires on the back of the starter could be wrong. I have found several problems but nothing seems to have fixed it, One problem that I found was a broken wire on the back of the alternater, then I noticed a bad cable so I changed both, then I noticed that my voltage regulator was unhooked so I plugged that in now it still wont charge and I am lost can anyone help.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
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From: Ohio
Sounds like your regulator is gone. They are a simple cheap fix. I just bought one for $9 at Autozone. They are now "electronic" instead of the old relay/point model. They are about half as thick as the old models.
I think Autozone can even test your old regulator. Take it with you.
Larry
I think Autozone can even test your old regulator. Take it with you.
Larry
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Senior User
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Well I had autozone test the regulator and its fine, But one thing that I noticed is the plug that they used to test it had 4 wires my harnes only has 3 I am missing the top wire does anyone know where I can get a wiring diagram online. I will check that yellow wire to.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Tucson, Arizona
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The top wire is suppose to be missing. I have the same exact problem you have with my 68 250, with a 390. I've changed batteries, solenoids, regualators, the regulator connector, all wiring and cables, and the alternator. I'm still having the same problem. I'm going for the starter next, but having trouble because of the headers.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Ok, the motor is starting hard?? Is that what you are thinking, dead battery-not charging??
Did you put a voltmeter across the battery with truck running?? It should read 13+ volts. If it does, then it's your starter.
If battery reads under 12v while running, then you have a charging problem SOMEWHERE.
Larry
Did you put a voltmeter across the battery with truck running?? It should read 13+ volts. If it does, then it's your starter.
If battery reads under 12v while running, then you have a charging problem SOMEWHERE.
Larry
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Hey 1968Stepside. I like the wireing diagrams in your gallery but they are a little hard to read. I would really like to see the diagram for the Ampere Alternatore. Any way to make it bigger? Where did the picture come from? Is there someplace else to get it? Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Tucson, Arizona
If you want to wait until tonight, I can email it to you. I don't know where you are located but I imagine I will be home from work around 5 p.m. Arizona time. Send me an email with your address.
Oh yeah, I got the diagrams from a book I bought. The website is listed in my gallery.
Oh yeah, I got the diagrams from a book I bought. The website is listed in my gallery.
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Senior User
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Freightrain,
The motor starts fine when the bat has a charge but after a while the motor starts to cut out and eventualy stalls when the bat is dead. I had autozone test it with a voltmeter and it was not charging, I havent had a chance to get it over to my garage I am doing today I will track it down this weekend and let you guys know. I am sure its a broken wire somewhere or the alt is hooked up wrong.
The motor starts fine when the bat has a charge but after a while the motor starts to cut out and eventualy stalls when the bat is dead. I had autozone test it with a voltmeter and it was not charging, I havent had a chance to get it over to my garage I am doing today I will track it down this weekend and let you guys know. I am sure its a broken wire somewhere or the alt is hooked up wrong.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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The system voltage when charging should be 13.8 to 14.2 volts with a charged battery. If you do a lot of highway driving it is best to be on the low side 13.8-14.0. If you drive like a little old lady to church and the grocery store run 14.0-14.2.
I did set one little old lady up at 14.5 volts once because her church and grocery store were only a block or two away from her house. She was happy after that and I didn't have to go jump her car for her. I worked at a service station at the time. I liked the old mechanical regulators that were adjustable. The new electronic ones seem to be more reliable tho.
I did set one little old lady up at 14.5 volts once because her church and grocery store were only a block or two away from her house. She was happy after that and I didn't have to go jump her car for her. I worked at a service station at the time. I liked the old mechanical regulators that were adjustable. The new electronic ones seem to be more reliable tho.