'72 Ford 4500 charging problem/electrical

[jeff ellermeyer]

My red light came on and stayed.Minutes later the tach started acting jumpy(maybe not related but it comes off back of generator). My meter shows no power coming off each of the two gen wires. Is this normal or does the power come through the regulator first and tell the gen to charge? Could someone help me troubleshoot this problem? I really don't understand the system!

 

[RodinNS]

First thing I'd check is the belt... That's the common thread between the lack of charge and wonky tach. Beyond that you'd have two separate problems.

Rod

 

[jeff ellermeyer]

Well the belt is definitely working. I do suspect that the cable is wonky on the tach though. I need a primer on the gen system.

 

[awhtx]

Contact Soundguy who posts on this board frequently. He is the electrical guru around here.

 

[RodinNS]

My philosophy on those systems is this: if they don't charge, get the Tisco kit with a Delco 10si alternator and tach drive, install it, and then fire the generator and regulator away.
I'd have to study the book to tell you how to trouble shoot the generator... Sounder will know that off the top of his head.
The only thing I can guarntee you is that if you keep the generator, you'll learn a lot about it... or trickle chargers.

Rod