Hoping someone can help me figure out exactly what I’m messing up with this alternator. It is a new TotalPro 7133 alternator that specifies that it is externally regulated. The car I’m working on has a separate switch controlling the starter and another switch controlling power to the coil. Shown below(excuse my artistic ineptitude) is how I currently have it wired, but in this configuration the alternator’s output continues to rise as the car runs and therefore the alternator itself gets pretty hot. The amp meter does not show a charge or discharge either. Frankly I’m stumped and any insight would be appreciated. Thanks, TR
That's a three-wire internally-regulated alternator. Wiring diagram here, post 25.... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/how-do-i-wire-a-gm-3-wire-alternator.30629/ I know the listing says externally regulated, but they're lying...
Not so fast! The externally regulated alternators also have a two pin connector and power stud. See below: Ammeter is backwards, + should go to battery. - side to alternator, ignition switch, headlight switch, etc. You might want to check for the voltage regulator being grounded properly. If not grounded well, it will not regulate the alternator field. Note: The 2 pin connector to the alternator is flat in shape if it is an internally regulated alternator, but square shaped if externally regulated.
No it is not. The difference is the two wire plug, notice the two terminals are parallel to each other, not in line with each other. The internal regulator type has the two terminals inline. This is not one of those.
then you'll not learn about the rest of the world, that would be sad.... The GM alternators can get confusing, because there are so many varieties being made today.
Trent, the ammeter isn't reading because it's in the wrong wire. It needs to be in the wire from the alternator output stud to the battery, and all the power for the car's ignition, lights,radio and any other stuff will hook to the alternator side of the ammeter. That way it reads only what's going into the battery. Terry
uh....the ammeter is SUPPOSED to read only what's going into or out of the battery. It indicates Battery Charge or Discharge. Not alternator load.
This from one of my Text books I used when I was teaching. It reiterates what Chicken said. Somewhere in my old crap from the 70's I probably have a diagram that shows how to wire up an Ammeter. I had the same setup on my T bucket in 1974 with an ammeter. The only power drawing thing on the car outside of the igniton was the head and tail lights so an ammeter worked fine.
May have the wires backwards on ammeter, just turn on toggle, should see a slight discharge. If not reverse wires.
This is a simple farm tractor conversion to internal regulator alternator but you are only interested in the way the ammeter is wired.
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