Author Topic: 440 alt question (resolved)  (Read 1204 times)

Offline dixiedog

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440 alt question (resolved)
« on: October 25, 2010 - 09:24:23 PM »
My car is not charging, had the alt. checked (twice) it is good.  Put a test light on the hot wire on the alt., 12 volts at the alt..  When I pull the pos battery cable off it kills the engine.  The gauge reads below charge just a hair.  When I turn anything on the gauge drops, the more I turn on the more it drops.  Any ideas on where to start to track the problem?  Everything electrical in the engine bay is new. Thanks, Danny
« Last Edit: November 01, 2010 - 01:47:20 PM by dixiedog »




Offline dodj

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2010 - 09:51:24 PM »
The alt should be putting out about 14v, it won't charge the battery @ 12v. If you are sure the alt is good, and you have gone over your wiring connections, I would suspect the voltage regulator. Its responsible for regulating the o/p voltage of the alt. Make sure it is grounded well.
Scott
1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

Offline dixiedog

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2010 - 12:54:17 PM »
I checked it with the engine off just to make sure it was getting a connection from the battery.  The voltage regulator is built in to the alt. and it checked out when I tested it.  Thanks, danny

Offline Cooter

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2010 - 07:21:44 PM »
I assume you are having this thing "Checked" at the local parts store? If so, then I've seen where ALt. check "ok" by the machine and still not be able to keep up with the charging requirements needed.

BTW: Pulling the pos. cable off should only be used as a last resort in checking for a no charge condition...Do this on a newer car and you just bought a PCM...Try another alt. and see what happens...A known good one...
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Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2010 - 07:34:20 PM »
What alternator are you using that it has an internal voltage regulator? The originals didn't have that. 

Mike

1970 Challenger - SOLD
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Offline dodj

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2010 - 09:22:45 PM »
I checked it with the engine off just to make sure it was getting a connection from the battery.  The voltage regulator is built in to the alt. and it checked out when I tested it.  Thanks, danny
You'll have to explain your wiring then. Custom harness or home-made?
« Last Edit: October 26, 2010 - 09:24:40 PM by dodj »
Scott
1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

Offline dixiedog

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2010 - 08:29:12 AM »
I installed a later version engine and alt.  (1977).  Yes I had it checked at the local parts store.  The wiring harness is an original harness upgraded with an electronic conversion kit.  I had a questionable harness that was rigged and wouldn't start the engine correctly.  But since I put this harness on it it starts correctly.  I am going to double check to make sure it is grounded this evening.  Thanks, Danny

Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2010 - 12:45:19 PM »
Do you have a pic of back of alternator? I haven't seen an internally regulated alt from the 70's either.  :clueless:
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Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: 440 alt question
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2010 - 10:43:52 AM »
Regulator is a rectangle box mounted on the firewall. If it is there, make sure it has a good ground.
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline dixiedog

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Re: 440 alt question (resolved)
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2010 - 01:46:46 PM »
It was a faulty volt regulator either the new one was bad or wasn't grounded properly.  Thanks, Danny