f350 not charging

[Cub1782]

My 1974 f-350 with the 460 isn't charging it was charging when I pulled the motor when I put back in it quit, I know I have hooked up right is there anyway to test it by bypassing the voltage regulator to make sure the altnater(if I spelled that right) is working. Thanks

 

[Mil1ion]

NEVER test the alternator by disc connecting battery cables..doing this this is a sure fire Alternator killer

Grab a Multi-meter and hook it up to the battery while the engine is running

Rev the engine up and the voltage should increase..if it doesn't the VR or ALTERNATOR is defective


I should have started by asking ..how have you determined it isn't charging?

 

[BuzzGun79]

Normal charging readings should be in the 13.5 to 13.8 volts,maybe a little less at idle but readings should go up with acceleration as Dennis stated.but not exceed 14 volts.

 

[Cub1782]

I notice the battery went dead I charged it and checked to see if the alternator was charging I did hook a volt meter up to the battery and rev it up and it wasn't charging.

 

[bentar]

I had the same issue last month, it was the voltage regulator. Everything else worked great but would not charge. I haven't had an issue since the swap.

 

[Workin' Rig]

There easy enough to pull off pull it off and take it to autozone and have it tested....hopefully its the regulator there alot cheaper

 

[blacksnapon]

Seen this happen more than once, so just for precautionary measures, check your fuses, specifically the one for gauges. An alternator has to have power to it to "excite" it. Fusible links, fuses, connectors in the wrong place, would all be a good starting place.

 

[Mil1ion]

There aren't any fuses for the charging system just a mel table fusible link in the main harness

Charging gauges rarely work.

Only test a charging system with a fully charged battery and use a shunt or have the part house check the components