VOLTAGE! help please

[82LTDQS]

Ok, I will start from the begining. Its a 1982 Country Squire. I love this car and I will NEVER get rid of it. But Its got me stumped. Ok It drives fine until the batter slowly runs down, and the engine begins to missfire then die. If I drive with headlights on and/or wipers it gets worse. Its as if the alt is not charging that batt. Change the alternator or regulator you say? This is what I have done: Battery load tested and passed puts out 12.8 with no load, engine off. Alternator belt tention and wires all ok. tested and passed. Tested with regulator bypassed and it puts out 14.0 volts. Regulator changed 3 times. Voltage at the headlights, wipers, and interior acc is at 10.00 volts. everything dimms when I press the brake, use turn signal, or run the wipers. engine dies when I
turn on all acc. what else could I check. Yes all grounds inspected and cleaned.

[Lincolnmania]

it's not charging......fusible links in the altenator harness prob fried

[82LTDQS]

Even If the alternator passes tests?? It takes about 4 hours of regular city driving for batt to die down. Any tests or anything I should look for?

[82LTDQS]

Should the engine still run with battery unplugged?

[grandpaslincoln]

Usually the alternator will supply enough voltage to keep the engine running with the battery disconnected. Did it do that?

[82LTDQS]

No, the engine died when I unplugged the batt. But why would the alt pass all the "tests" at the parts house?

[mrltd]

The wiring! That's what Lincolnmainia just said. There are little "fusible links" in the harness between the alternator and the battery. They are probably blown or the connector is bad on the alternator harness.

If the alternator is tested outside the car at the "parts house" and it's not charging in the car, then the wiring is messed up. The wiring on the alternators is pretty crappy, and old age really takes it's toll on those connectors.

[82LTDQS]

Got ya, I thought he meant some kind of changable part inside of the alt

[82LTDQS]

"The wiring! That's what Lincolnmainia just said. There are little "fusible links" in the harness between the alternator and the battery. They are probably blown or the connector is bad on the alternator harness."

If the alternator is tested outside the car at the "parts house" and it's not charging in the car, then the wiring is messed up.




WHATS WITH THE "!!!!!" Besides it still does charge, just slow. It cant be something totaly blown. Why do some of you guys freak when someone doesnt totaly understand someones post?? Thats what this site is for. If I ask a question and some one answers it, but I ask the question again. Just answer it again, its not the end of the world. So you have to type a little. You know. lincolnmania answered a question i asked, and I asked it again. And I will ask it as many damn times I want. Are you a car guy or an internet nerd that gets pissed when someone breaks a "forum or chat" room rule.

[82LTDQS]

geez

[grandpaslincoln]

Jesus Christ. Calm the fuck down. Now, check your wiring! If a fusible link is blown, it'd be easy to find. Usually the insulation will be bulged or wrinkled if it's blown.

[82LTDQS]

Thanks for your help bro.

[mrltd]

There are 2 feeds off the alt, one could easlily be toast and the other just about there. Did you look at the 4 pin connector on the alt harness? That is another common failure point

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!
Just be glad it wasn't all in caps. :p

[82LTDQS]

At least not all in caps. Thanks to you to man. !!!!!!

[82LTDQS]

Im just pissed cuz I have to get rides to work. You guys rock!