Why wont my alternator charge

Phreakish said
Yes, it could be a wiring problem. The voltage regulator could be fine and give your symptoms.

An 85 system has two field wires. The 65 does not. If it works in an 85 and not in a 65, you have the wrong alt.

A later model alt can be modified to work in a 65 though, or you can upgrade to the later model regulator and wiring which is what I would personally recommend since many alternators sold for the single wire field aren't compatible with your current setup and even new regulators can be difficult to source for the same reason.

An over charge condition can be caused by many things, not the least of which is poor wiring between the battery and your regulator or a bad ground.

You need to test to see how much field voltage/current is being sent through your regulator and whether the wiring from the battery to the regulator is any good. Also make sure all grounds are clean and show good continuity. That information can be used to determine the fault.

Or you can try a new regulator and hope when you rev it, your car doesn't catch fire before you shut it off. Your choice.

Thank you that is very helpful I do appreciate your time I have a 85 dodge ram and 65 dart I found out they were different when I thought well heck I will put the alt out of the 85 in the 65 and it had three wires so I just hooked up the 2 wires the same as the older alt and the same issue no charge goes up to 12 volts and also I installed a aftermarket wire harness so your reply helps alot

Phreakish said
Yes, it could be a wiring problem. The voltage regulator could be fine and give your symptoms.

An 85 system has two field wires. The 65 does not. If it works in an 85 and not in a 65, you have the wrong alt.

A later model alt can be modified to work in a 65 though, or you can upgrade to the later model regulator and wiring which is what I would personally recommend since many alternators sold for the single wire field aren't compatible with your current setup and even new regulators can be difficult to source for the same reason.

An over charge condition can be caused by many things, not the least of which is poor wiring between the battery and your regulator or a bad ground.

You need to test to see how much field voltage/current is being sent through your regulator and whether the wiring from the battery to the regulator is any good. Also make sure all grounds are clean and show good continuity. That information can be used to determine the fault.

Or you can try a new regulator and hope when you rev it, your car doesn't catch fire before you shut it off. Your choice.