I've noticed several questions about Delco
alternators with integral regulators that I'd like
to address. They cause batteries to go dead?
C'mon, if all vehicles with older AC Delco alternators caused batteries
to go dead after a few days or weeks I'd never get to go home!!
Look for a draw in the system. It MIGHT BE in
the integral regulator but if it is--get another unit! The "single
wire" decscription is not
true! All CORRECTLY operating Delco alts. need atleast TWO wires
connected externally
to make them work PROPERLY. Yes, I've seen
the "little boxes" you can get to convert but why
not do it the factory way??
Yes, you can run the alt. with one wire if you're
willing to put up with high rpm charging cut-in!
The factory had two wiring systems. One with
gauge and one without. The one with gauge
(voltmeter) used a little green relay that had three wires running to
it. The one without HAD
A BUILT-RESISTANCE IN THE FEED WIRE
FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE FORM OF THE IDIOT LIGHT!!! Use your ohm
meter
to see approx, resistance and go get your own
resistor(s) to replace the light. The resistors can't be the wimpy
carbon-type, they have to be
the larger wire-wound type to handle the load.
The feed wire (not the heavy output wire) was
typically brown. It is possible to stuff the two
wire connector in backwards but that won't last long. Usually a
inoperative alt. will result. As far
as checking charging system voltage, where do
you guys check voltage at? What kind of meter
(analog, digital, cheap or FLUKE) do you use?
Charging system can be (overcharge) 18v+.
Set your meter on the nearest scale just above
max. expected voltage and READ IT. With the
engine running check AT THE BAT TERMS.
If output wire is accessible you can check voltage here, also. Voltage
at the back of the
Alt is nearly always different from what is seen
at the bat. This can be as little as a few tenths
of a volt to several volts. Obviously a two volt
difference is something to be concerned with
but you must realize that the diff will always be
higher the MORE the alt is putting out. Ohms
law, you know.
All the above applies to 12v systems, but using
a little multiplier (like 2) you can use my description to check 24v
systems. Never, ever
check charging by disconnecting the bat while
the engine runs!! Don Kenyon ASE Certified Master Technician, L-1, CA
"EA" Smog Lic.
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