Here we go again, same dull routine (electrical)

[dpuckett]

Ok, my 91 is driving me nuts (very short trip, I know ). I couldnt give it away last month, so I decided to hang onto it till I run it into the ground or find a nice Ford to put the drivetrain into. So, I have had the pulsing alternator for a LONG time now, and is annoying me. I replaced the voltage regulator, and it helped, but not entirely. I got the El-Cheapo, as the BorgWarner Premium doesnt seem to be any better. I have been reading posts from the past, and have come to the conclusion that it is either a diode in the alternator, or a ground. I will check the grounds, and while I am at it, what else is there?



I noticed this week that my idle has been slowly decreasing- I was down to about 600, from 800 a few weeks ago. Hooked up the fuel pressure gauge (boost gauge fitted to banjo bolt), and I can suck it down to 4psi- filter is good. THen I got to thinking, and unhooked the alternator- and the RPM jumped up a good amount- in the neighborhood of 150RPM!! I dont have a voltmeter (yet), but what could be casuing this? Radio is off, lights on or off dont matter. AC is unplugged (non-functional). I did see my post from a year or so ago, and remembered the alt being a litlte stiff in turning, not free wheeling like Mom's. ALso, last spring, voltage was 13. 8, electrical shop says 14. 5 or so is normal. Am I due for an alternator?



SOrry for the rambling and incoherence- it's been a long week.



Daniel

 

[flathead6]

Mine pulsed continuously, that is the lights did, like the alt was weak. After cleaning then replacing ground leads and even adding new ones someone here suggested that I clean ALL contacts involved. I finally found an inline fuse that was corroded but still functioning, although just barely. Problem solved. Cheaper than a new alt if thats your problem too. Good luck.

 

[dpuckett]

Thanks for the suggestion. I am going to try to find a voltmeter this weekend, and go to work with it.



-DP

 

[kad]

Hey flathead, where dju find the inline fuse? I've had a similar prob and chased connections from here till &^%$# I would like to refresh the fusible links if poss, thanks



kad

 

[BHanna]

If you get a digital meter, try getting these too. http://www.brighterideas.com/content/teslite/show

They're made for chasing down corrosion in circuits.

 

[flathead6]

KAD - It was on the drivers fender well. Can't remember exactly, but seems like it was a fusible link that was replaced with an inline one. Basically I just started unconnecting every connection and cleaning and tightening. Eventually I found it, cleaned it and put some dielectic grease on it. Good luck!