Alternator Not Charging?

[carnuck]

First one is fusible links. Second looks like an ammeter or something (Radio amp?) was hooked up with the blue wire.

[BenM]

Whatever is going on with that blue wire spliced into the yellow looks fishy. So does the free hanging solenoid connector that was replaced with the black wire.

It looks like the positive cable has been replaced at one time with a temporary battery clamp.

I know some aftermarket wiring diagrams will disagree with me, but I contend that the proper distribution point is never a battery clamp. It should be either like the old way most manufacturers did it, off the solenoid, or like modern cars off of a distribution block that connects with one heavy gauge wire to the battery clamp. Too much chance of shorting out or overloading otherwise. Likewise, grounds go to the block or frame.

Think of it this way: the battery is not the source of power, the Alternator is. The battery just helps the alternator when it's not keeping up, so you want the connection points to center around the alternator's connections which are the engine block and the solenoid or distribution block. The battery is just hanging off a side lead.

I don't trust the brush-on insulator and the twist connections. Automotive crimp connecters or soldering (there's a debate about soldering) and shrink tube are the way to go. Self-fusing tape works when you forget to put the tube on first, and doesn't leave a sticky residue or unravel. Vinyl electrical tape is not good around oil, gas, and engine heat.

Either someone was hiding a problem or wired in an accessory wrong, but the blue and yellow wire need to go and I'm not thrilled about the looks of that battery cable.

[84eaglelmz]

That blue wire off the battery was for extra Lights. I did that, The blue wire spliced with yellow, is the Coil resistor wire bypass. I did that also, I know its horrible at the moment, but I wanted to make sure it worked before a more permeant solution. I was thinking I redo the wires aways so I cobbled that for the time being.

[Nightpath]

Follow the wires from the alternator. They break on the interior, not to mention I think 1 has a fusible link on the inside.

Mine did the same thing, randomly charged and only sometimes worked due to a interior wire being broken. Replace that and it worked, nice and easy.

[84eaglelmz]

someone told me to replace all the wires there, and leave out the fusible links on here. what does everyone think?

[carnuck]

Fusible links are the weak spot that makes you NOT have a car-b-que when there is a short!

[84eaglelmz]

Can i replace the fusible  links then? I have to do something or my car will bbq as it is.

[Nightpath]

Yes. Most fusible links are just smaller gauge wire, usually 4 or so smaller, put in place to protect against power surges and the like. Could make one yourself out of old wire.

[84eaglelmz]

4 gauge wire? Lol thats battery cable thick. Ill have to look up how to make them.

[BenM]

Fusible links are a special kind of wire with a special insulation that is supposed to bubble to indicate a problem but not burn and slough off so as to not create another short. There's a list in the TSM of the gauges and lengths of fusable links, or I at least recall seeing a list in a TSM. They're usually a matte red color and are thicker than the wire they splice into, the special insulation is much thicker than regular wire insulation. Auto parts stores will have rolls or bundles of fusible links.

Modern cars often use megafuses or maxifuses, but they don't replace the slow-blow characteristics of fusible links. In some cases fuses can be used as a replacement, but you need to make sure you use the correct amperage so that you don't overload the wiring. It depends on the electrical load.

For safety's sake I like a fuse of some sort as close to the distribution point as possible, I don't want a damaged wire causing a fire. If your coil resistor bypass doesn't I'd make sure to get one on there.

Here's a nice writeup http://minimopar.net/electrical-links.html

[Nightpath]

I meant 4 guage less. So if the wire was 10gauge you'd have a link of 14guage

[84eaglelmz]

Ok thanks! I will get some fuseable wire, Soldering tips, and start hacking away. Hopefully all turns out well like i said I SUCK at electrical. I need an eagle enthusiast friend in Northern NY 

[Mernsy]

According to the S.O.A.R. map there's a member in Verona, NY.

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zyNrFs2eSZX4.kXdwco89CkaM

[84eaglelmz]

There are alot in penn as well. That would be nice if i was closer to there lol

[84eaglelmz]

What gauge wire is used in the Eagle? If anyone knows quick?