86 E150 Charging Problems

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Sep 5, 2004 | 04:16 AM

GEAH

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From: St. Louis, MO

86 E150 Charging Problems

I have an 86 E150 5ltr efi and am having charging difficulties. Here is the symptom. Battery is not getting charged while the engine is running.

THis is what I have checked so far.
[ While the engine is off the New Battery measures 12.8V. At idle the battery measures 12.2, it should be in the 14.5v range.
Wired a light in Series with pos term to check for drain. No Drain
Checked with ammeter in series for drain andit was within specs. .0029 Amps
Checked Alternator Wiring Harnes & fusable link for continuity and it checked out.
Took the Alternator off and had it bench tested at autozone

and it "Tested Good". IAR tested ok also
Could the Bench test have been wrong? Maybe bad diodes?

Sep 5, 2004 | 07:14 AM

Fordcr

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Joined: Mar 2003

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doesn't an 86 have an external regulator? I know the 85s do, I have had them go bad...

Sep 5, 2004 | 07:17 AM

GEAH

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From: St. Louis, MO

Internal Regualtor on the 86.

Sep 5, 2004 | 09:25 AM

Dealford

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From: Belleville, Ontario

Did you check at the alt. output post for 14.5?
AL.

Sep 6, 2004 | 10:06 PM

GEAH

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From: St. Louis, MO

I just tried a different Alternator and it does the same thing so I must have something hooked up wrong or not hooked up that needs to be. I no longer have this engine in the van so Im not sure what they go to anymore.

I dont know what these to plugs go to anyone have a clue?

This one has 2 black and yellow heavy gauge wires
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/worley...&.dnm=de47.jpg

This plug has 4 wires to it.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/worley...&.dnm=ee0b.jpg

Sep 7, 2004 | 02:35 AM

pfogle

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From: Oak Harbor, OH

I'd make sure that there isn't and external regulator. Look in front of the battery, if that doesn't help make sure the frame is grounded to the body.

Sep 7, 2004 | 05:28 PM

GEAH

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From: St. Louis, MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfogle

I'd make sure that there isn't and external regulator. Look in front of the battery, if that doesn't help make sure the frame is grounded to the body.

Definitely IAR, and I checked for drain so it is grounded good. The plug with 4 wires I found is for the indicator lights in the instrument panel. So one down down one to go. Im still not sure what the plug with the HEavey Gauge Black and Yellow go to. Someone told me to hook them directly to the + side of the battery. Can that cause any damage?