All or nothing alternator conversion

dhowlan said

Thank you.
Where were you with your meter suggestion when I had the old one hooked up? :D

Perhaps you can explain why the "old" regulator was operating in an on off fashion when the second field terminal on the "new" alternator was grounded. Clearly power was being generated, but it was unregulated half the time.

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I spend my time babysitting an active 11 month old grandson, very little free time, but enjoy everyminute.

About your old regulator. Using a meter to measure between ground and IGN terminal of regulator is a good test to determine if regulator is working. The voltage should be about 13.8V, but varies some with temperature, goes up a few tenths cold, and may drop a bit hot. The voltage varies to meet the desired charging requirement for the battery needs.

If the battery voltage is more than a few tenths from the IGN measured voltage, that means undesirable voltage drops in the wiring and connections. The path goes in and out of the bulkhead connector, in series with amp gauge, ignition switch fusible link ...
So the relay you added helps bypass some of the drops ....but is not a cure all.