Hello, ive got my mustang back running, but theres still one problem. I have to jump it to get it running. Its dont think its charging but havent put a meter on it for sure yet to check. Anyways, When i put the wiring back to the alernator, i set it up as the clip was originally and all the wires in the correct position. But, there was one top RED connection that wasnt used when i put it back together( it says BAT). I ASSUMED this was a 12V connection directly to the battery, so i put a wire from the terminal on the ALT to the + on the battery, and instantly my electric choke wire fried up, burnt in half and i pulled the jumper off quickly. The electric choke was spliced in by the previous owner and i dont think it was in the right place to begin with because the ELE choke didnt work. So, my questions:
Where does the wire from the BAT terminal on the alternator lead? ( my books just show colors of different alt layouts, so im lost)
Where should i get a good ele choke hot wire from? ( ive seen several threads on this but never a SOLID answer, will a 12v ignition on only source work?)
How can i test if my ele choke works, can i just hook 12v to it and see if it turns open after a few mins?
Does this mean my system is charging if when i hooked the jumper from the ALT to the batt and it fried?
Alt systems are different.
can you take a picture of what you got.?
Don't hook your alt to your battery .
Generally the alt Batt wire goes to the starter solenoid on the same side as the positive wire from the battery. Depending on what year your mustang is it could have a voltage regulator or a built in regulator.
You asked
"Where should I get a good ele choke hot wire from? ( ive seen several threads on this but never a SOLID answer, will a 12v ignition on only source work?) YES
How can i test if my ele choke works, can i just hook 12v to it and see if it turns open after a few mins? YES
Does this mean my system is charging if when i hooked the jumper from the ALT to the batt and it fried? NO
Once you get the system wired correctly, start your engine and disconnect the positive cable from the battery, if it stays running the alt is putting out at least 10volts to the engine, ( the + wire you have in your hand is hot , live) don't let it touch anywhere.
Post a pic. Is it inter or externaly regulated. If its not a one wire alt then you will need a connection to the exciter for the alt to start charging..more when we know the type of alt...
Once you get the system wired correctly, start your engine and disconnect the positive cable from the battery, if it stays running the alt is putting out at least 10volts to the engine, ( the + wire you have in your hand is hot , live) don't let it touch anywhere.
Please don't do that. You take a serious chance of igniting the hydrogen, if your battery is gassing, by the spark created when you disconnect the terminal (positive or negative) which can cause serious injury and/or damage. This can also ruin the rectifyer. Chances are good that if you had to jump start the car, the battery will be gassing.
Notmuchworse than having your eyes taped open with a saline drip running to flush out the acid (and if the battery blows up while your under the hood, that's best case scenario).
With the car running, your voltage should read about 14.5V depending on the depth of battery discharge. More than 14.8V is considered overcharging, less than 14V with a good battery would be undercharging.
I'd suggest you read up on how to properly test a charging system. There are some great books as well as web sites that cover this.
As to the electric choke, it depends on the year of your car.You want an"engine run"(not an accessory) circuit full battery voltage, that is not at the coil. First though you need to confirm if the choke heater element is shorted to ground.
The system does have an external Voltage regulator, thats above the battery, and i Tested the ELE choke, and it works fine, now to find a good place to grab 12v From. And tomarrow, ill get pics/ info on the ALT! -Jon
ALT/ Charging Sytem help?
