I think I've found my issue for no volts on ign#1

[RoadWarrior]

figured I would start a new post. Lots of you have helped me get this far. I was assuming with all the rewiring I did something wrong. Well with me multimeter connected to terminal from ign#1 to ballast, I was not getting voltage. One by one I removed things until I finally disconnected the field only wire from alternator (connects to field on voltage regulator) and got my 12 volts.


So bad alternator? or bad voltage regulator? I jumped volt. reg and still had no volts. I am guessing alternator? How can I test without engine running?

Bringing it in tomorrow morning to have tested.

 

[Yatzee]

Take it to a local reman shop and they'll probably test it for free. If it's bad they can probably tell you why. If your well schooled in alternator issues, take it apart after checking for grounding between the positive posts and the case with an ohm meter then proceed to disassemble to check the commutator, windings and diodes and brushes. It's dicey doing it yourself unless you find obvious things like broken wires or burnt windings and diodes so you will have to opt for a replacement or a rebuild which would probably be best. The voltage regulator, just replace it at the same time as the alternator upgrade. There isn't really anyway to tell what it's putting out in a static state with the engine off.

 

[RoadWarrior]

Take it to a local reman shop and they'll probably test it for free. If it's bad they can probably tell you why. If your well schooled in alternator issues, take it apart after checking for grounding between the positive posts and the case with an ohm meter then proceed to disassemble to check the commutator, windings and diodes and brushes. It's dicey doing it yourself unless you find obvious things like broken wires or burnt windings and diodes so you will have to opt for a replacement or a rebuild which would probably be best. The voltage regulator, just replace it at the same time as the alternator upgrade. There isn't really anyway to tell what it's putting out in a static state with the engine off.

my shop checks it for free. my voltage regulator is new out of the box, but certainly doesn't mean its good. To bad the alternator is barely a year old. can't remember what the warrenty is but maybe ill get lucky, otherwise i'll just get a new one. I've never dissected an alternator and I am not gonna start now

I wish I was still in SoCal, I knew a place that would rebuild any alternator for 75 bucks.

 

[RoadWarrior]

Well, Alternator is good. Passed the bench test. Even swapped both field terminals to be sure. passed both ways. guess I'll get another voltage regulator and cross my fingers.

Update. Found my issue. The damn field to ignition terminal was arching and shorting out. Pulled it out and found the nylon case had melted and the screw was touching the terminal. Got a new nylon washer and stuck it back together. Touched my wire to terminal, no more short. maintaining 12 volts to ballast.



I also now realize my mistake to. Old alternators before electronic ignition went to ground on one field. I forgot to check this when I converted. all good now.