Charging System Probs

[Archive]

Over the past year or two I have had a repeat problem of the voltage regulator failing on the go and roasting the battery. This is about the 4th regulator installed and lately at idle the charge/discharge meter and the lights(I have lots) fluctuate. The needle on the gauge bounces back and forth, but you get the engine up to 1000 RPM and it appears to go away. Some guys have told me that its the alternator going south. What's up?? Do I get a rebuilt alternator or do the rebuild myself? Any suggestions are welcome #ad


------------------
(Lil' Mack)-89 D250 2WD 5Spd 3. 55 Reg Cab. K&N, 3. 5" Exst, E&M Custom seats. Bosch H4 Lites

 

[Archive]

Lil'Dog

I wouldn't buy an alternator or starter from a parts house, I would take it to a place that rebuilds them and has a good reputation for doing good work. I've bought a lot of them from parts houses in the last 35 or so years, with probably 50% or better being short lived.


------------------
92 2500 Reg. Cab LE
Dark Spectrum Blue and Silver 4x4 Auto
208,000 plus miles
16cm2 housing

 

[Archive]

Rodney has got it. Go to a good auto/truck electrical rebuilder. They can test it for you, and rebuild as required.

------------------
92cum'ns 5spd 4wd all possible mods. to void warranty.

 

[Archive]

Lil Dog,

Where is your regulator located?

I have a friend with a 91 D250, 5 spd, and it was on the firewall, above the exhaust manifold just below the hood. He went through several regulators too. He decided the heat was killing the regulator and moved out to the fender well and no more problems. You might try this if your regulator is in the same place.

One of the earlier TDR Magazines had an article about the grounding of the cabs on the early trucks. It suggested to take a about an 8 gauge wire, clean off a good spot on the cab, attach the wire there, run it to the ground post on the battery. It noted a lot of the electrical problems with the early trucks had to do with bad cab grounding.

Bill

------------------
97 3500CC,Auto,4. 10LSD,All Options incl Leather,Pyro,Boost,Trans. Temp Gauges, PacBrake, 3 pos TC Lockup Switch, RPM 40Gal. Aux. Fuel Tank, Reese 20K Hitch, Highway Products Tool Box, 80% Towing 12,100lb. HitchhikerII 5'er. 2000 3500QC 6 Speed,4. 10LSD,SLT+ on Order since 9-23-99,"D-1" Order Status, St. Louis Plant, Ship Date: 11-30-99

 

[Archive]

Maybe the alternator is stressed by handeling the regular job plus the handeling of high power lights,could be a stronger one will help,and everyone is right about the ground and regulator,cool hah! all this diesel knowledge is awsome!

 

[Archive]

Thanks all!!
The grounding issue has been delt with. New cable to the engine, and 2 8 gauge wires to the frame and cab because of this prob and to ground the brake controller.
The alternator I beleive is 120 amp from the printout I got from Dodge based on the VIN and should handle the lights, if not the pre-heating grids.
I think I will try to re-locate the regulator, this may help, when I open the hood in the rain or snow the water runs right onto the connection. I put some di-electric grease on the connector to help keep it dry.
Question... . Can you get a new wiring pigtail for the plug from a parts store or will I have to go to a wrecking yard???
Again thanks tons!!
Happy Truckin'

[This message has been edited by Lil' Dog (edited 11-05-1999). ]