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Gen to Alternator + to - Ground

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R

R&M

Senior Member
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HELP,

1967 BJ8

Converted to Alt & - Ground. Started, charged and no fire or smoke. However, kills batteries like a mongoose kills snakes!

Used the single wire GM alt. and kept the voltage regulator.

1. Eliminated the wire to "F" for generator field.

2. Hooked alterator output to far right "B" on regualtor.

Did I miss something as it drains battery to the point of complete death.

Any input will be appreciated!

Thanks

R&M
 
You didn't mention if you swapped the battery connections.
If you forgot to do that, a discharged battery would be one of
the results after converting to - ground. The car would start and immediately put a maximum load on your new alternator. I hope you already didn't fry something other than your battery.
Ed
 
The GM alternators that I am familiar with contain an internal diode bridge and voltage regulator. Are you certain you don't already have an internal voltage regulator inside of your new alternator ?
 
The conversion can be done just by juggling/moving connections at the original control box. I assume this is what you did or attempted to do.

It leaves the original control box intact but no longer uses it's functions, just it's terminals as junction points.

In some situations, the generator cut out contact in the original box must be insulated to prevent backfeed. This would be the relay contact that is located above the control box "D" terminal. Simply slip a piece of insulating tubing over the movable portion of this contact.

If what you have done has drained the battery, it's likely that there is now other damage, possibly the control box, or the wiring, or the alternator. I hope not.
D
 
Dave,

Thanks, Battery was hooked up properly & no warm or smoking wires. Will try insulating that contact.

Regards,

R&M
 
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