On 8/24/11 9:39 PM, Randall wrote:
>> The ammeter does not show anything (charge or
>> discharge) even before we added the wire,
>>
> Something wrong there; it should show a slight discharge while the red light
> is on; or a heavy discharge if you turn on the headlights with the engine
> not running. Sounds like there is some wiring problem.
>
I have discovered in the past that you can not always rely upon a metal
bodied alternator bolted to a metal bracket bolted to the engine to be a
reliable ground path for an alternator. The alternator would test good
in the shop, mounted it and it seemed to work well for a few miles then
stop charging with the red light not on or maybe the dimmest of glows.
I went through half a dozen alternators, replaced all the associated
wiring all to no avail. Finally I ran a wire from the Ground lug on the
back of the alternator and the frame and gosh gee everything worked and
still does to this day.
Who would have thought a metal to metal to metal connection would not be
a reliable ground? I always wondered why they put a ground lug on
alternator cases. Anyway, if you know you have your wiring correct, add
a ground wire directly to the alternator case and see what happens.
Teriann
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