another not charging thread
I found it interesting that after removing the negative clamp from the battery with the jumper wire still attached to the post, the engine continued to run, .
DO NOT DO THIS. Learn to troubleshoot using proper test equipment, even a test light can be helpful
HOW IT WORKS
You have two major circuits here, and two major componentsl
1....The main charge output and "path" of that circuit goes from the alternator output stud to the battery +
2....The field circuit which mostly is batter--fuse link--bulkhead connector---igntion switch and connector--back out through bulkhead (ign1 or ignition run) to VR ign terminal--through VR---to one field terminal on GREEN---through alternator field----to IGN1 through light BLUE wire
3....The alternator "and is it bad"
4...The VR and is it grounded and is it bad?
WHAT YOU NEED. Some alligator clip jumper wires, a 12V test lamp, and a multimeter
HOW TO TEST
There are several ways
1....In a no -charge condition, you want to get field current into the alternator to make it charge, see if it has output, then find out why or why not.
Remove GREEN field wire, turn key to "run" and jumper the disconnected field terminal to ground. In quiet, and subdued light, you should see and hear a small spark. Connect the jumper and measure the opposite field terminal. Should be about the same as battery.
Start engine, slowly bring up RPM with meter connected to BATTERY. Battery voltage should rise, depending on how far "down" the charge is. Try not to let voltage go above 16V
If the battery V does NOT rise, switch your meter over to the alternator output stud (and ground) Repeat the test. If the voltage does not rise at the alternator stud, either the field circuit is not drawing current, or the alternator is bad. Bad field windings, bad stator, bad diodes, etc or bad brushes/ brush connections---OR THE WIRING you have connected is not actually supplying field power/ voltage
To double check the field is drawing current, shut off engine, turn key back to "run." Disconnect field jumper to ground. Set your multimeter up for current (highest amperage scale 10A or 20A) Hook meter in series from disconnected field terminal to ground. you should measure several amps, at least 3 or more. If so, the field is drawing some current, and if it won't charge, the trouble is in the alternator stator/ diodes