Ignition Switch Connector Fail
Interesting. The 1973 Dodge FSM shows the Dart wiring with optional 60 amp alternator.
The 60 amp alternator output wire was bumped up to 8 gage from 12 gage.
They also ran both feeds through a grommet.
The alternator feed was attached at the ammeter stud. Same location for attaching the optional rear defroster.
The diagram is not clear about whether the standard alternator output wiring was left in place. If so, its a parallel feed.
The battery recharging load is always a variable.
A low battery given 14.2 volt supply will suck a lot of power if it can.
The standard alternator at idle can't supply that much, especially at low rpm. In that way the wiring was somewhat protected. Keeping the rpm down and watching the ammeter, you could keep the current under control. I've had to do that. It's not a good practice but something might have to do in an emergency.
Charging Battery with Alternator - Warning
As a comparison to normal loads.
Here's some I measured with an inductive clamp meter on my Wagoneer's alternator output line.
Although it has a self generating field, the rest of the loads are very similar to later a-body with electronic ignition, side marker lights and 55/60W headlamps.
Basic running current draw was 3.5 amps - that may or may not include the field draw.
Additional Loads broken out individually:
Interesting. The 1973 Dodge FSM shows the Dart wiring with optional 60 amp alternator.
The 60 amp alternator output wire was bumped up to 8 gage from 12 gage.
They also ran both feeds through a grommet.
The alternator feed was attached at the ammeter stud. Same location for attaching the optional rear defroster.
The diagram is not clear about whether the standard alternator output wiring was left in place. If so, its a parallel feed.
The battery recharging load is always a variable.
A low battery given 14.2 volt supply will suck a lot of power if it can.
The standard alternator at idle can't supply that much, especially at low rpm. In that way the wiring was somewhat protected. Keeping the rpm down and watching the ammeter, you could keep the current under control. I've had to do that. It's not a good practice but something might have to do in an emergency.
Charging Battery with Alternator - Warning
As a comparison to normal loads.
Here's some I measured with an inductive clamp meter on my Wagoneer's alternator output line.
Although it has a self generating field, the rest of the loads are very similar to later a-body with electronic ignition, side marker lights and 55/60W headlamps.
Basic running current draw was 3.5 amps - that may or may not include the field draw.
Additional Loads broken out individually:
