Hi,

I noticed that my charging system is faulty. Can a bad ballast resistor cause this or is it most likely the alternator or the regulator?

And how do I test any of the above?

Thanks!

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1965 Valiant Custom 200, 2dr hardtop, 225ci
1997 Monte Carlo, 3800 supercharged swap
1995 Lumina, 3.4 DOHC swap

No, it's something else.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

Need more information on your "faulty" charging system. It doesn't charge at all?

Your alternator has one field wires on the back of it. It is the green wire with the push-on connector. Disconnect it. Connect a test lead from the alternator's field terminal to the alternator's large B+ (output) stud. Start the engine and let it idle. Do you see charging now? If so, you need a voltage regulator and/or a repair to the green field wire from the regulator to the alternator. (Don't increase engine speed above approx 1000 rpm (and then only very briefly and only if necessary) while performing this test, for the alternator is operating without regulation and will crank out lotsa volts if you let it.)

Regulators:

NAPA Echlin electronic: VR-1001
NAPA Echlin standard: VR-32
NAPA Echlin heavy duty standard: VR-34
Standard-Bluestreak electronic: VR101 or VR128
Standard-Bluestreak heavy duty standard: VR106

If you do NOT see charging when you do this test, you need an alternator. Parts store units are junk, get one of These brand-new ones. That's a completed auction, just hit the "Ask seller a question" link; they have more.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I have no charging at all, I connected my multimeter on the battery with key off and got 11.8V (that,s after a little run). Then I started the car and still got 11.8V, even with some more throttle.

I'll try this test and see if I find something...

Thanks!

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1965 Valiant Custom 200, 2dr hardtop, 225ci
1997 Monte Carlo, 3800 supercharged swap
1995 Lumina, 3.4 DOHC swap

Problem Found

There was a brush missing in the alternator, it's now fixed!

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1965 Valiant Custom 200, 2dr hardtop, 225ci
1997 Monte Carlo, 3800 supercharged swap
1995 Lumina, 3.4 DOHC swap

Which begs the question: Where did the brush go?

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

I opened the alt so I know it's not there, so it probably flew through a hole...

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1965 Valiant Custom 200, 2dr hardtop, 225ci
1997 Monte Carlo, 3800 supercharged swap
1995 Lumina, 3.4 DOHC swap