Hi Guys
I've only had my '72 Cuda running a couple of times recently as I've been updating some of the wiring. I've completed the Mad Electrical update, and have made quite a few other improvements. Currently, the blue field wire from the alternator is connected to the positive terminal on the electric choke (Holley 4160). The wire then continues to the regulator as it should. While running, I noticed that the voltage was too high at 17 to 18 volts. The regulator is new as the old one was rusty (changed more for aesthetics). I swapped the new one for the old, and had the same problem. I've also made sure the unit is properly grounded to the firewall.
During testing with my multi-meter, I noticed that I had continuity from the blue wire at the regulator plug to the engine block. I didn't think this was right, so my continued testing led me back to the electric choke unit. When I unhooked the connector, I noticed I have continuity from the positive terminal on the choke to the negative /ground choke terminal, which is why I had continuity from the blue regulator plug to the engine block. I tested another Quick Fuel carburetor I had on another car, and there was no continuity between the choke terminals. I pulled the unit off and inspected the bi-metallic strip, but didn't see any obvious issues. This leads me to a couple of questions.
1. Can I assume that the blue field wire shorted to ground is what is causing the alternator to overcharge?
2. Can I assume that the electric choke unit on the carburetor is bad? Or should I instead be measuring the resistance between the two terminals to determine if the unit is bad?
Thanks in advance for the assistance.
