Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulColbert
Hello.
I recently took sometime to try to find out why I am having charging issues with my CR, which is volts falling below 12V with headlights, fans, and the fuel pump on. I tested the battery and its good to go. I had the alternator tested and its 105 amp with an output of 14.7. In discussions with the guy at the alternator shop I found out the charging wire coming off of the alternator is way too small like 12 gauge too small (previous owner issue ). I'm in the process of tracing the wire and it is doesn't look like it is going to the battery.
SO, my questions are...what is the normal gauge wire for the output wire for the alternator? (6 gauge?)...Should the charging wire go direct to the battery or can it be wired to the starter relay which has a positive connection directly from the battery. I am leaning toward direct wire to the battery.
Thanks,
Paul
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If the alternator was tested to produce 14.7 volts, what RPM did they use?
At what RPM were your voltages measured? 1G alternators don't have a great deal of output at idle, so going to a 3G alternator would help with that. See this chart and how current (not voltage) drops off. It's notable the chart starts at 900 RPM and I'm sure you can appreciate it would be much less at lower RPM.
Like others, I'd suggest your charging wire is much smaller than required.
Source:
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/in...r-older-fords/