Charging Issue
So it's a 68 Barracuda with HEI ignition.
Thank you. So as 67dart273 suspected, the 'ignition' wiring has been modified. 'Ignition circuit' in Chrysler diagrams includes power to run all essential for engine operation.
It is a single field alternator
Actually they all are. Field is explained in the first post here
Identifying Chrysler Alternators (1960-1976)
test I tried I realize now is for the dual field alternators not single
Post 5 shows the functional difference between regulation of the grounded brush alternator and the isolated field alternators (with two terminals and insulated brushes)
Identifying Chrysler Alternators (1960-1976)
I understand that I can briefly jump the field and the alternator output together to see if it will engage the alternator.
If its a grounded field alternator...
My voltage on the battery is 12.2 the voltage at the ignition post on regulator is battery voltage as well as the output on the alternator. This of course drops slightly when key is on.
a. Something is WRONG HERE. The ignition circuit is key switched. If there is battery voltage (12.2 V) with key off, then something is miswired.
b. Put that battery on a charger sooner than later.
With the car running and i test the field wire on the alternator it's at .10 volts same for the regulator.
Putting this together with a little less than 12.2 V with key in run, engine off, my guess is the regulator is not working. Its only a guess because at this point it seems it may not be wired correctly.
The way to check is measure the voltage at the ignition terminal, the battery and the alt. output while the engine is running. Also look at the 'alt gage' to see what its indicating.
The regulator is getting battery voltage.
???? Is it or isn't it? Under what conditions?
The regulator's ignition terminal (wire going to it) should be at system voltage when the Key is in RUN.
When is Key is OFF, it should be 0 V.
