Status
Not open for further replies.

80elky

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jun 23, 2019
48
6
8
So my 1980 el camino (350 engine swap) is having some troubles with the alternator. The first thing that I noticed is that the battery was not charging. The battery is only a few months old and holds a charge so I know it's not that. Then I noticed that the headlights and dash lights were not working. I brought the alternator in to get it tested and they said it was bad so I bought a remanufactured one. That one still wasn't working so I bought another one. Still didn't work. I decided to bite the bullet and buy a brand new one, but still nothing. There is power reaching the back post of the alternator, but none leaving through the side spade posts. When I supply power to the wires going to the spade posts and the headlights and dash lights work. Does anyone know what the problem is? Could I have just had terrible luck with buying bad alternators or is something frying them? Could it be a wiring problem?
 

pontiacgp

blank
Mar 31, 2006
29,270
20,391
113
Kitchener, Ontario
buy yourself a circuit tester and a multigauge, they will save you money from buying parts you do not need
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

80elky

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jun 23, 2019
48
6
8
The 2 pin terminal on the side has one lead looped to the charge post and the other recieves voltage on the brown as the "excite" wire.
So you're saying that the brown (which is actually white on mine) should be sending power to the alternator?
 
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
Is the light coming on in the dash with the key on? If the bulb is burnt out, it won't charge.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor