69 RR - no voltage reading at the alternator

[Skingjack]

As the title indicates, the alternator ( both new and old) does not charge the battery. A quick multimeter test of the battery indicates 12.6 volts. However, starting the vehicle and rechecking the battery shows only 12.2v. Of particular interest, checking alternator yields a reading of 0v.

Any thoughts on where to start with further testing? Do note that I’m a newbie when it comes to electrical issues/ multimeter usage.

Background info on parts replaced to date:
New dual field alternator ( previous was single but exhibited same problem - 0v reading)
New msd ballast resistor
New Napa voltage regulator
New world performance ( msd clone) RTR distributor
New msd coil
New msd wires

Muchly appreciated for any pointers provided.

Ian

 

[69hemibeep]

Did you ground the second field to the case? Oh I can't remember everyones cars this is pre 70 ?

 

[Russ69Runner]

Must have hot wire to excite the field. Did you polarize the new regulator.

 

[Skingjack]

Forgive my ignorance Russ but what do you mean by “polarize the regulator”?. I’m not familiar with this term/ procedure.

Ian

 

[Skingjack]

69 hemi Beep,

1969 Roadrunner, 383 auto

 

[69hemibeep]

Then yes ground the 2nd field to the case

 

[Russ69Runner]

With Alternator you may not have to do this but did it with my tractor instructions came with the regulator. Running an alt. on the tractor. You should find this on the web. Have to polarize the Reg. on a Harley with generator. It say any time you change the Alt. Or generator must do it again. This tells the regulator where the source is coming from and where to send it.

 

[Danomt]

"polarize the regulator" was a procedure on a Old generator system. Does not apply to alternators. Dual field alternators used a different style of regulators. Without knowing your system it will be hard to trouble shoot your problem The big wire at the alternator is really just connected to the positive battery post, so it should read battery voltage. never zero.... Need more info...

 

[mac]

Then yes ground the 2nd field to the case

 

[Russ69Runner]

Well did you get that alternator to work Skingjack . Like to know what you found out. Russ.

 

[Skingjack]

Russ,

Not functional as of yet- comedy of errors. To make a long story short, it's installed but not working. I need to re-install a brush into the second field then ground that field with a wire to an altenator bolt. A task for later today.
Ian aka Skingjack

 

[Skingjack]

2nd field on the alternator was grounded as it should been initially; unfortunately this yields no success with battery charging. This is getting frustrating but it will get figured out eventually.

 

[mac]

is this what you are trying to do?

 

[mac]

more info
http://www.mopar1.us/charge.html

 

[Russ69Runner]

We all cross that threshold. Walk away for a while and it will all fall in place.

 

[Skingjack]

Problem resolved with the 3rd voltage regulator we tried- a solid state version was the ticket.
Next up a/c plus heater core repairs could have used the a/c today... shouldn’t complain though ... nothing like Florida or Az weather in the summer. Thanks all for the suggestions.

Ian

 

[Ranger]

Problem resolved with the 3rd voltage regulator we tried- a solid state version was the ticket.

Where you running an old mechanical type regulator?

 

[Russ69Runner]

Their you go one down. Glad you found the problem. Yep it is almost a given to have ac in Fla. Us old guy's need ac two window's down at 60 MPH dose not work well any more.