Charging system woes! - Diesel Forum

theyoungfeller · 02-07-2010, 07:24 PM

Hey folks,
I am currently having problems re-charging my batteries. So far I have replaced my alternator, voltage regulator and both batteries. As it happens my ignition doesn't work fully, so lately I have just been starting my truck by putting it in run position, cycling the glow plugs, and then jumping the solenoid with a screwdriver, and the truck runs like a dream. I got the ignition switch module thingy I plan on putting in tomorrow. In the mean time if that doesn't solve the issue what other things might it be? The orange wire to the the alternator doesn't seem to be getting power, and I was wondering if there was any safe way I could jump that with a wire or something temporarily to see if that would help. Any info would be greatly appreciated seeing how my primary vehicle is on the fritz. Thanks for the help......

theyoungfeller · 02-08-2010, 11:12 AM

Anyone have an idea for a temporary fix? I just want to try jumping a wire to bypass the ignition system to make the batteries charge.

chuckster57 · 02-08-2010, 11:22 AM

you mentioned in your original post that you were going to replace the "module thingy" today. I for one am waiting to see what happens after you do that. There are contacts inside that complete circuits depending on the position of the key.

arthurgoboom · 02-08-2010, 12:52 PM

If the large orange wire going to the alt isn't getting any power, then that is your problem. This is the charge wire and should be connected to the always-hot terminal on either the start solenoid or the glowplug relay. There is a roughly pencil-sized wire going from wherever the orange wire connects over to the battery positive, this is how the battery gets charged. I believe there is a fusible link in the orange wire somewhere, which could be blown.

theyoungfeller · 02-09-2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

you mentioned in your original post that you were going to replace the "module thingy" today. I for one am waiting to see what happens after you do that. There are contacts inside that complete circuits depending on the position of the key.

Well, I am in the process I got the bottom plastic "cowl" off, and checked the rod which seems in order, any advice on dropping the steering column? From what I saw I couldn't quite figure on how to do it.

chuckster57 · 02-09-2010, 10:19 AM

IIRC, there should only be two large bolts that hold the column up. I haven't ever had to replace the ignition "switch" down in the column, just the key cylinder a few times for people.

Joe Mc · 02-09-2010, 10:25 AM

Yeah, 2 bolts and it should just lay down on the seat.
Do you have a 7.3 in your 86?

theyoungfeller · 02-10-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Mc

Yeah, 2 bolts and it should just lay down on the seat.
Do you have a 7.3 in your 86?

Yeah someone put one in some time ago.

Seems like the voltage regulator might have been the problem. As far as I can tell it is charging just fine now.