Electrical Problem

[rhamlin]

My truck has had the generator replaced with an alternator by a moron (I believe).

The ignition system and electric fans on the radiator are set up to switch on properly from the ignition but they seem to draw power only from the battery. The red wire that used to go to the generator is now tied to the output of the alternator. This red wire goes into the fuse block. Should there be another wire off the back of the alternator that connects to the battery? I looked at the generator schematic in the manual and it shows a T in the cabling from the generator output with one leg terminating at the battery.

There is no power at all making it from the alternator to the battery. When I start the truck and pull off the positive battery lead, the truck dies. The truck will run for a while until the battery is dead. I know 100% the alternator is good.

Anyone have any thoughts ?

[68gmsee]

We could use a little more info -like what engine and year model.

From your description, there definitely is a mis-wiring somewhere. Check the electrical section and look at all of the schematics. Do a google search on "external to internal alternator conversion" or something like that and you will find a lot of info and schematics in there.

Here's one that I found. Check the connection points of the "red" lead from battery, to starter, to pin 2 and to the output of the alternator and on to the cab.

As you know, alternator should keep the engine running and supply around 13vdc (+ or -) to the battery if it's correct.

[Longhorn Man]

what year truck are you dealing with? I think generators were gone in the early 60's maybe?
And moved to the electrical forums.

[VetteVet]

Here's more ----------http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/GeneratorToInternallyRegulatedAlternator.htm

[rhamlin]

So let me share with you guys what was wrong...

The fool who installed the Alternator didn't bother to remove the old external voltage regulator.

UGH !!!!!

So now I have power making it to my battery !!! Wahoo !!!