Alternator troubles

[olds307 and 403]

Yes, it needs to complete the circuit or no charging.

 

[80elky]

Yes. Should be hot with the key. Make sure the ALT idiot bulb isn't burned out in the cluster.

So could that still be the problem if when i give power to those wires everything turns back on?

 

[fleming442]

Yes, it needs to complete the circuit or no charging.

This

 

[80elky]

Yes. Should be hot with the key. Make sure the ALT idiot bulb isn't burned out in the cluster.

I took the instrument cluster apart, the bulb doesn't look burnt out but I'll pick some up tomorrow and see.

 

[pontiacgp]

I never understood the concept of taking things apart and changing parts instead of diagnosing what the problem is with some inexpensive and basic tools. The charging systems on these cars is very basic

 

[olds307 and 403]

There is also a fusible link is there not? Seems to me mine was burnt. Check for voltage at the power lug. I added a 4 gauge cable directly from the battery to make sure sufficient power is at the alternator.

 

[mikester]

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.
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My 81 isnt set up like that. The output wire and the red 12AWG wire from the two wire plug both go into that crazy OEM splice thats in the harness about a foot back from the alternator. Then it splits off to the starter, bulkhead connector and AC feed. You can see it in this picture but I deleted the wire to the AC when I switched to heat only.

 

[fleming442]

It can be done several different ways. The 12ga. on the 2 pin is the voltage sense for the regulator, and the thinner wire is the excite/turn on. "One wire" alternators just jump these to the regulator inside.

 

[80elky]

Yes, it needs to complete the circuit or no charging.

The bulb wasn't burnt out so i'm going to see if it's the wire leading to it that's bad.

 

[80elky]

There is also a fusible link is there not? Seems to me mine was burnt. Check for voltage at the power lug. I added a 4 gauge cable directly from the battery to make sure sufficient power is at the alternator.

It's getting enough power to the alternator I know that much. I think it may be a bad wire between the alternator and the dash. The guy who wired it before me used 90% electrical tape for all his connections and tucked them all behind the block.