My idiot light will not go out when the engine is running. I have it wired from the ignition to the idiot light to the alternator. Looking at the wiring diagrams a 510 ohm resister is across the light, as a bypass I****ume. Those of you running an alternator is this how yours is wired, or what am I doing wrong?
There are a lot of wiring diagrams available in Google search images,both for GM and Ford alternators.Some opinions are that the original idiot light that were designed for a generator can cause the wiring to to overheat and burn and it is much better to convert to a volt meter gauge.From watching your video the alternator is putting out about triple the amps the old generator did,so it is something to consider plus a gauge is much more reliable.
If you really need an idiot light, do what I did, hire a local kid to watch your volt meter and tell you when the volts drop.
Apparently the alternator is not working, will have it tested tomorrow, if that doesn't work I'm going for the chick
The idiot light is not the definitive indicator for a charging system,but it is probably easier to notice while driving. You can't ignore it when it comes on at night. Personally whether I have a voltmeter or ammeter I would keep the light. Surprizingly, here in Oz the light is generally always marked as an ignition light, though it functions in conjunction with the regulator. Probably a throwback to our colonial days and following the British tradition.
I totally agree...I'll be wiring up both idiot lights and gages....haven't got that far yet, so I can't help with the wiring. I think it's especially important on the oil pressure. jmho
I can't believe that I searched for over a day trying to sort this out only to find the wrong bulb was in the idiot light. The one I used had a longer base and was leaned over and shorted out to the housing. Effectively cutting off the alternator from exciter voltage.
The Jalopy Journal
