9MM

So I just checked my alternator and it seems to be putting out the same volts on both contacts on it my dads truck one is higher then the other.

Is my alternator ******?

torquefan

If you are referring to the voltage measured at both the small field terminals, with the engine running, it sounds like there is good continuity through the brushes and field winding, so that should rule out the alternator as the problem and point toward the voltage regulator or its circuit as being the problem.

That circuit is supplied battery voltage from the ASD relay, and the ground side is controlled by the voltage regulator. So, if you are not seeing any ground potential at one of those terminals, you need to look at the regulator. I don't have the schematic handy, but you can apply ground to one of the pins at the regulator and see if it "full fields" the alternator, or forces it into full output.

9MM

How would I apply ground to it all it has is two wires that are in a plug.

Okay so your saying there might be a fault relay at the heart of this problem?

BearKiller

I can't understand your situation from your description.

What voltage are you seeing at the battery --- way too high or too low ??

I have acquired a distrust for these ND alternators and the Chrysler regulator; I am un-certain which or both is the culprit, but these trucks have way more than their share of regulator problems.

My half-a-million-mile 1978 Chevy has never had a regulator fail (internal).

Likewise the two very high mileage Fords (external).

Numerous tractors, loaders, and such and never a regulator failure.

On the other hand, the three Dodge/Cummins trucks we own have had more new regulators than oil filters and we change oil frequently.



For example, the wife's truck lost the regulator one night, boiled over the battery, and shot both head-lights in less than a mile.

A couple weeks later, with the good blue Mopar regulator, it just quit charging.

Trouble-shooting that situation took out three more regulators.

I swapped on a known-good extra alternator and fixed it for now, but I don't trust it to stay fixed long.


Which is why I have been systematically converting everything to 110-555 Leece-Nevilles.

9MM

um well it keeps pegging the gauge every time it blows a regulator but I just found a broken battery connector on the ground my stereo has been going wonky today as if it's not getting enough juice so it turns off then back n off n you get the picture so I am going to buy a new regulator and battery post tomorrow n go from there.

apwatson50

One thing i've noticed during my ford crewcab build is grounds. The Ford has ground straps everywhere! between the frame and cab, frame and core. In fact there is one at each front cab mount and one at each core support. One from the cab to the hood, one from the cab to the engine. Seems like everywhere I look there is a ground strap.

On the dodge ?????????????????????????? i'm still looking for a factory ground strap between anything.

So I guess what i'm saying is I think ground straps could be the solution!

9MM

All I know is theres a small wire from the battery to the body thats about it

torquefan

I was assuming that your alternator wasn't charging at all. If this is the case, you would need to determine which wire at the regulator leads to the alternator's field terminal and apply ground to it momentarily while monitoring charge voltage. If the alternator then starts charging, you have proven that the problem lies within the regulator, its ground, or its power supply.

The relay's job is to supply battery voltage to the field. If there is batttery voltage there, as you had noted, the relay sounds as though it is doing its job.

9MM

no no I think the problem was I tried boosting a vehicle with my amp on and didn't realize i had a loose ground terminal on my battery.

NE frmhnd

I shorted out the FSS wire one day when I crimped the female spade connector down. Blew out the regulator right there. Think that's what happened to the precious one, too. My voltage is more stable than it ever has been, since I found the short in the harness over the booster.

9MM

Mines been fine for months now. Got a different brand one that's made in the US seems to work better then the Japanese **** but I might get a spare just in case I'm outta town n it blows on me.