alternator???

[Matt33]

I seen on my battery gage that it was running low. so went to Advance and had them run a test. they told me it was the alternator, i asked how do you know its not the voltage regulator? then the guy said well it could be. haha well dont want to buy a 200 alternator if i can get by with a 20 regulator. anyone know how i can test the regulator myselfe?

 

[icanfixall]

I have read how to test them long ago but do not recall. I bet you can find a video on utube showing you how to test them.If you have the separate voltage regulator its usually best to replace them along with the alternator. To know if you have the separate voltage regulator look on the passenger side fender well back of the battery. If there is a silver square box looking electrical item with a flat maybe 4 wire connection thats about 2 inches long. You have the separate vr. Last time I replaced a voltage reg it cost about 15 bucks. The mom & pop alternator starter shop I deal with gave me a tip. Disconnect the batteries before replacing the alternator and regulator. That way they do not get a shock when they are plugged in to the hot system. I burned up 2 regulators not knowing this. Now I have an alternator with the internal voltage regulator that pumps out about 180 amps.... To reach the magic 200 amps I need the three coils in the alternator. Look at any alternator. If you see 2 coil connections there is no way it can be 200 amps. Don't be fooled by some ****** trying to sell you a 200 amp alternator like I was .. I got mine from fleabay about 9 years ago. Nice black powder coated case too.. Not what I wanted but it works just the same. I really do not need 200 amps. I have a very small dash mounted radio cd player.

 

[typ4]

unplug regulator, F terminal in harness plug to battery + , if the alt is good it will start making voltage, may pull engine down a bit, dont rev it up as it will make big voltage. If this test works it is possible the reg is bad.

 

[Matt33]

I unpluged regulator and put volt meter on term F to + of bat. it showed 11.5 to 11.7.

 

[Matt33]

just put a new regulator on her about 2 mounths ago. cant belive it went bad already..

 

[3Kp]

Straight out of the manual

Just did this on Saturday. Need to read voltage across your battery at idle to get base voltage point.

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[typ4]

Jumper wire from f to battery while running.

 

[Matt33]

thats what i did

 

[typ4]

alt is toast then. I would do a 3G upgrade.

 

[OLDBULL8]

By putting a jumper from B+ to alternator F terminal, alternator should put out 15 to 20 VDC, if the alt. is good at idle speed.

 

[opusd2]

I guess I would agree that this is as good a time as any to update your alt to a 3g if your current alt is bad. It's not a tough job and if ever a replacement is required, you can get one pretty much anywhere. Plus part of my opinion just holds to the fact that I'm tired of dealing with external regulators. And the alternators, I've had a tough run on my 79 Bronco going through a few and with the 3g on my 86, I couldn't ask for better.