[V8] Alternator ailments

[d saad]

The blue wire has two functions Kneale:

one is to supply power
to the voltage regulator (or turn it on) and the other is to provide a
voltage reference to the regulator. If you get battery voltage on this
wire with the key on, it is probably OK.
Your description sounds like
a classic dead alternator. If you have not rebuilt it, I would just pull
it, and inspect. You can replace the bearings and voltage regulator for
around $100 if I remember right. I would do that before I got a rebuilt
one but that is me. (that and I have a good rebuild shop very close to
me)

Dave

> Finally got a chance to test my
charging system that started acting up
> while we were in
Columbus, OH, over the weekend but managed to get us
> home.
> 
>   With the engine off, the battery reads 12.5 volts. 
Same reading for the
> positive terminal post under the hood.
> 
>   With the engine running at idle (voltmeter in car
reading ~12), the
> reading with my multimeter is 12.17 at both
the battery and the jump
> post.  I presume that means the
regulator ain't regulating properly, but
> the dreaded wiring
"weld" in the passenger footwell is passing on its
>
voltage without any resistance.
> 
>   Is it possible the
"exciter" circuit (blue wire) would be the culprit?
>
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