351w trouble

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Jul 18, 2010 | 05:17 PM

BigJohn444

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Milton, FL

351w trouble

hello, i recently did an engine swap in my 88 f150 4x4. i replaced the EFI 302 with a 1969 351W 2bbl. Im having a problem with the battery charging while the engine is running. im using the alternator that came with the truck and ive replaced it 3 times with my warrenty at the parts store but the battery keeps dying. Ive put my volt meter to both the Alternator(14v) and the battery(when its charged) 13v. also when i pull the postive cable off the battery the engine dies (which made me think alternator is bad). i have an HEI distributor on the engine as well, an aftermarket electric fuel pump, and a custom guage cluster. the volt guage only reads 11 volts when running, but the volt meter says its putting 14v at the alternator.

need some help

Jul 18, 2010 | 09:58 PM

Conanski

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

The gauge cluster is probably your problem, the OEM voltage gauge is part of the charging circuit and with that missing the battery is never seeing any charge current.

Jul 19, 2010 | 09:05 PM

BigJohn444

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Milton, FL

what would be the solution then?

Jul 19, 2010 | 09:14 PM

393STROKER

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: houston

It sounds like your battery might be bad and unable to hold a charge.Try testing the battery.

Jul 19, 2010 | 09:17 PM

BigJohn444

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From: Milton, FL

its only a few months old and i had it tested already

Jul 20, 2010 | 10:06 AM

Kemicalburns

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From: Bend,OR

double check all of your grounds.

Jul 21, 2010 | 01:20 PM

85lebaront2

Old School Hot Rodder

Joined: Feb 2006

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From: Exmore, VA

There is a green with red stripe wire (circuit 904) that is called charge light. On a factory system it provides the 12V "tickle" to start the alternator. You don't need a light, but it does need 12V with the ignition on. It goes to a single connetor into the alternator harness and from there to the I terminal on the plug at either the 2G or 3G alternators.