I just rewired My wifes 63 Comet. I checked the charging system and found it inop. I found that I had crossed two wires and swapped them. I started it up and the charging system woks fine now. I turn the key off and it keeps running. I then disconnect the field wire at the regulator and it shuts off. I seem to remember hearing of this before but can't remember what it was. Any help is appreciated.
I had a similar problem on a car I recently rewired with a kit...wouldn't shut off because the alternator was backfeeding the ignition. I went to Radio shack and picked up a diode (sorry I can't tell you which one...just get a big one that will work with 12v.) and put it inline in the field wire ...still charges but now it actually shuts off.
You didn't install an electric fan did you? If it's connected to the ignition wire, that'll cause it.
Thanks man. I was just contemplating that idea. I was going to put it on the exciter wire. I'm on my way to radio shack
Had the same problem on a 66 Mustang. Turned out the coil feed contact in the starter solenoid was sticking. New solenoid...no problem.
I think that Brewsir is right on with the exciter wire thing. That happens quite often. Installing the diode in the line is the simple and effective way to fix the problem.
You need a diode (think check valve for electricity) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=389737
Well I tried putting a diode on the field wire and it still keeps running with the key off. I put a diode on the exciter and it cuts off but does not charge. I don't get it
Question 1 Alternator or Generator ? If gen no diode needed. Did you change the iginion sw.? Short answer is you have a back feed ,the question is from where. How many wires on the sw. side of the coil? With the switch off pull the wire from the coil and check with a test light. If hot back track that wire to wherever it comes from and see what you find. If new ig. sw. it may be bad. With everything off pull a battery cable and put a test light across ,if it lights you have a draw . That draw could be what is causing the problem. Remember if you are running points there will be no draw with switch on or off if they are open.
It's a generator. Original ignition switch. When everything is wired up and the generator is charging the car will run with the key in the off position. If I disconnect the field or exciter wire from th voltage regulator it will cut off. I****umed it was back-feeding through the exciter wire
An ignition switch from a newer vehicle will have more than one Ign. terminals, and when turned off will separate them so the charging system can't feed the ignition system. I really don't understand why you're having this problem with a generator, as the only time I've encountered it was when converting to an alternator.
Guys thank you so much. I looked at the charging system wiring on my hot rod. I ran the exciter from the ignition switch. It needs to be wired straight to the battery. I swapped the wire and everything works now. Lesson learned.
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