76 alternator/start problem

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Mar 4, 2006 | 08:34 AM

76Carter

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76 alternator/start problem

I just purchased an 1976 F150 supercab. I installed a new alt when I purchased because lights were dimming and truck would die while going down the road. I have to jump it to get it going. It will stay running with new alt but It will not start without a jump. I checked across the battery for voltage at idle and it is unaffected as is the same at higher idle, charge stays the same. wehn i try to start it with out jumping it the solenoid makes a clicking noise. I did not change out voltage regulator when I installed new alt. any suggestions.

Mar 4, 2006 | 09:18 AM

gearhed1971

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From: Little Falls,New York

clean the contacts on the starter solenoid.I've had the same problem,and that cured it.Also check to make sure ALL contacts are clean-block to battery,battery cable ends,so on.You may end up having to replace cables and solenoid,possibly the voltage regulator

Mar 4, 2006 | 09:24 AM

76Carter

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thanks, I should have cleaned all wires in first place. I plan on driving it today with the lights on. If problems still persists could anything else cause this prob. **just to add a note who ever had truck before me installed a radio system so some wires might be out of place

Mar 4, 2006 | 11:29 AM

Mil1ion

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Where did you attach the tester to get a reading?

Touching the post instead of the cable may give a false reading.

At idle the charging system isn't really kicking in.

You need at least 800 Rpm to get the VR to kick-in.

It appears you will need to do a complete charging system trouble-shoot.

The clicking is from a weak amount of power in the battery or a bad connection power or ground.

Keep all those terminals clean.

Mar 4, 2006 | 12:13 PM

User 71024

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put your volt meter on the battery set the idle around 1000 rpm, pull the plug off the regulator and jomp between the bat terminal and the field terminal, I believe it's the 1st and 3rd terminal , the bat terminal may be marked either "A" or"B". depending on the year, the field will be marked "F"

that should put the alternator to full charge if the alternator and wiring are both good. IF it does the regulator is bad, if it doesn't check your wiring and the new alternator.

Mar 4, 2006 | 05:32 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

What voltage are you getting when checking it? You could just have a bad battery, have you had it tested?

Mar 5, 2006 | 09:35 AM

trinogt

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Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Eustis FL

I suspect the regulator if voltage doesn't change. I can measure almost 13 volts with engine off, and up to 16-17 volts at the battery with all the accessories on, at idle, on my '95 Thunderbird. (just tested it yesterday!) lol

Mark