Re: [ihc] Re: Ryan's electrical prob

[John Hofstetter <hofs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On May 9, 2004, at 3:46 PM, Allan W. wrote:

> Ryan,
>   Assuming you have the internally regulated alt, don't
> overlook the plastic connector that goes into the alt.
> These two wires are (IIRC) the field, and the voltage
> sense.  If the connector is corroded, or the wires
> are old and broken, the alt may cycle between charge
> and off (when off, the ammeter goes to discharge
> because of the electrical items that are on).
> I had this once after my truck sat parked for a few
> months while I was away.
>
> Allan W.
Ryan,

You can bypass both those circuits with jumpers to the large terminal 
as a test. Actually, you can leave the voltage sense jumper connected 
to the hot wire, but you will need to remove the field jumper as it 
needs to be switched in order to not drain the battery.

You will already know that you can also run the power output from the 
alternator directly to the battery, but you'll lose the ammeter as a 
guide to what's happening.

John Hofstetter