Battery charging problem.

[Isaiah92260]

So the battery I have in my 63 is a year old according the the previous owner. The Alternator looks pretty old, I don't know know how old but I can tell it has some age... Anyways, my battery keeps doing at least once a week after I give a charge over night. The charging light on my dash stays on the whole time I'm driving, it's on pretty dim, but bright enough to see during the day. So I'm thinking that's saying that the alternator isn't gettinf 100% charge. So does anyone think Its just time for a new alternator or I'm or have a poor ground or connection somewhere? I can provide poi tires of whatever anyone may ask to help.

[Mackie]

No poi tires necessary and pictures won't tell much either.
You need your charging system troubleshot.
You can start with cleaning all the battery and alternator and regulator (if it has one) electrical connection. These are zero cost solutions and often all that's needed.

[Isaiah92260]

Originally Posted by Mackie

No poi tires necessary and pictures won't tell much either.
You need your charging system troubleshot.
You can start with cleaning all the battery and alternator and regulator (if it has one) electrical connection. These are zero cost solutions and often all that's needed.

How do I clean a Alternator? It had a voltage regulator but I see old wires cut and some spliced so I'm not sure if the voltage regulator is still in use.

[Mackie]

Oh man
I think you need on-the-scene help.

[vince1]

If the splicing looks like in this link then maybe someone has previously modified it.

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref14.html

I'm still using the original because it works and original is cool. But if it fails my spare CS130 will take its/their place.

[forestb]

Take the alternator to your local auto parts store they can usually check it on there machine for free. I know the Auto Zone near my house does.

[Pappyx3!]

Post a picture of the back of that alternator, so we can see what alternator your working with. Also picture of any changes at the regulator. Try to help you out...

[franken]

Step 1 is measuring the battery voltage, as in across the battery with a DVM when the engine is not running and when it is.
The alt light being on isn't a great sign but it could be bad connections. Cleaning means checking and cleaning the electrical connections between the battery and alternator.

[Isaiah92260]

Originally Posted by Pappyx3!

Post a picture of the back of that alternator, so we can see what alternator your working with. Also picture of any changes at the regulator. Try to help you out...

Here are pics of te alternator and these two components that I'm not sure about, voltage regulator? BTW, all the super Micky Mouse Sloppy wiring was done years ago by a older Mexican gentleman who owned the truck before the person I bought it from.

[Isaiah92260]

Back of alternator

[Isaiah92260]

Voltage regulator and im not sure what the smaller part is

[Isaiah92260]

The grey wire comes fr the voltage regulator

[Isaiah92260]

I know the battery says 12.9.... But it won't start if it's at 12.7

[Pappyx3!]

Isaiah,

OK, from the picture I can tell you have the original type of alt. still on the truck. It''s a 10DN, Delco, externally regulated unit.

To troubleshoot this you need a digital multimeter. It does not have to be anything expensive, for the tests we are going to do, Sears has one for around $10.

Once you get your digital meter, do the following steps. RECORD your readings as you do them.

Set the meter to DC volts, on the 20 scale

1. Take a base line voltage reading on the battery, engine off______
2. Take a base line voltage reading on the alternator, engine off______
Red probe on BAT terminal on back of the alternator
Black Probe grounded on the alternator case

3. Engine Running, take another voltage reading on the alternator______
4. Engine Running, take another voltage reading on the battery______

Do these steps and let us know what you find.

This is just the beginning of the process, don't want to overload you with to much at one time.

Pappyx4!

[lil hoodlum]

In the picture of post # 10, that big red wire needs to be installed on the back of the alternator.

[Isaiah92260]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

In the picture of post # 10, that big red wire needs to be installed on the back of the alternator.

Really? That wire is the Battery Power Wire that goes straight to the Starter Solenoid.

[vince1]

http://alternatorparts.com/gm-extern...g-diagram.html

The horn relay being the junction block. Alternator output probably goes to it, then across to the battery.

Looks like someone spliced in another load for something, hence the fuse holder. Probably not a big deal.

Got your readings yet?

[vince1]

Sorry, looks like your regulator and relay are on the right. On my 66 they are on the left side so please ignore my comments. Don't want to confuse you.

[Pappyx3!]

Hey guys,

Sorry I have not had a chance to look at this til just now.

Were you able to get any bolt readings?

[Isaiah92260]

Originally Posted by Pappyx3!

Hey guys,

Sorry I have not had a chance to look at this til just now.

Were you able to get any bolt readings?

Not yet, this week is pay the bills week lol so I'll have to go pick up a bolt reader next week.

[Pappyx3!]

Really need to see volt readings from a digital meter, but let's try to see if we are getting a signal to the regulator. Do you have a test light? If not we can probably use the analog meter you were using for initial testing.

Go to the regulator, the tab where the wires plug in to the regulator is marked F 2 3 4

Ck for voltage on the wire that lines up with the #3. Do you have Voltage Yes/No?

If Not, stop here.

If yes. start the engine, carefully ck for voltage on the wire that lines up with the F on the regulator. Do you have Voltage Yes/No

If not Sto here.

If there is voltage on the terminal F at the regualtor, leave the engine running, go to the back of the alternator, there is a 2 prong connector that plugs into the back of the alt. above that plug there are letters R And F cast into the alt housing. Locate the Terminal marked F. Is there voltage there?

Let us know what you find

If anyone following this has a wiring diagram they could PM me it would be appreciated!


Thanks!
Pappyx4!

[lil hoodlum]

Originally Posted by Isaiah92260

Really? That wire is the Battery Power Wire that goes straight to the Starter Solenoid.

And doesn't your positive battery cable go the the starter solenoid?

[lil hoodlum]

What became of your battery charging problem?

[Isaiah92260]

Originally Posted by Pappyx3!

Really need to see volt readings from a digital meter, but let's try to see if we are getting a signal to the regulator. Do you have a test light? If not we can probably use the analog meter you were using for initial testing.

Go to the regulator, the tab where the wires plug in to the regulator is marked F 2 3 4

Ck for voltage on the wire that lines up with the #3. Do you have Voltage Yes/No?

If Not, stop here.

If yes. start the engine, carefully ck for voltage on the wire that lines up with the F on the regulator. Do you have Voltage Yes/No

If not Sto here.

If there is voltage on the terminal F at the regualtor, leave the engine running, go to the back of the alternator, there is a 2 prong connector that plugs into the back of the alt. above that plug there are letters R And F cast into the alt housing. Locate the Terminal marked F. Is there voltage there?

Let us know what you find

If anyone following this has a wiring diagram they could PM me it would be appreciated!


Thanks!
Pappyx4!

I apologize I havnt got to check the procedures. I've been working over time, but I plan on checking the charging system tgis coming Saturday. I'm gonna use a test light cuz I don't have extra $$$ to buy one.. Thanks for your advice, I'll keep you guys posted this coming Saturday

[Isaiah92260]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

What became of your battery charging problem?

Sorry for the wait, I'm gonna do it this Saturday when I finally get my day off