Elec system not charging.

[burrpenick]

My 72 340 CUda is not charging. THe alt checked out OK, but they replaced it anyway. I replaced the regulator as well. Battery is new and putting out 12+ volts, have 12+ at the output post of the alt too, but ONLY 12 going into the battery from the relay (red wire that is hooked up with the fusable link). Somehow the power is not making it back to the battery. I've been told to check the connection at the Ammeter and also the bulk head. Any other ideas? One buddy suggested I run a wire directly from the output of the alt to the + side of the battery and bypass the ammeter. PLEASE SEND ANY ALL IDEAS!!!!

George in Tallahassee

penick@Nettally.com

[barracuda7199]

run a new wire directly to the starter relay terminal. there be bypassing the ammeter just put a fusible link in the line right before the starter relay.

[burrpenick]

I've considered that option, but should I first check the ammeter connections? I dont have a clue how or what to check on the bulk head.

thanks, George

[barracuda7199]

even if you only bypass everything for a short while it would point in the direction of your problem. have you tried full field the alt.? ground one field terminal and apply 12 volts to the other. if the alt. charges it is in your field wiring or the reg. isn't grounded good. if you do full field the alt. only do it for as little time as possible.

[422STROKER]

Has it been charging since the repaint?  Make sure there is an excellent ground at both the regulator and engine.

Tom

There should be a ground strap at the front of the engine as well as the rear to the regulator.

[Bullitt-]

Read this, but don't reconnect the ammeter   http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml

[burrpenick]

Thanks for all the good ideas. I am not happy with my grounding of the regulator and plan to run another ground strap to it like challenorange did. Not sure about another ground off the front of the  engine....right now my main battery ground is off the bare metal of the head to the battery ground, is that enough up front? I have a braided wire ground off the back of the head to the firewall too. If that doesnt help, I plan to run a wire directly off the alt to the starter rely with a fuseable link that runs directly to the + battery. What voltage should I be seeing at that direct wire off the alt?

[422STROKER]

Usually there is another smaller ground at the battery to the rad support, but it sounds like you got some decent  grounding.  Make sure that the reg is bare on the backside and the bolt is fairly tight.

Off the Alt when charging should be 13.5-14V depending on Ambient temp.

Tom

I'm assuming your accessories inside the car are working right?

[shadango]

Hey Tom,

Where di you get that strap?

I need to do the same thing.

Summit has some but wasnt sure if they were the right lug size....?

Has it been charging since the repaint?  Make sure there is an excellent ground at both the regulator and engine.

Tom

There should be a ground strap at the front of the engine as well as the rear to the regulator.

[422STROKER]

Autozone, in the HELP section.

Tom

[shadango]

Autozone, in the HELP section.

Tom

Do you recall what make/model it was for?  I looked there yesterday,......