[60tbirdrick]

Hey fellas, Question on Ford voltage regular hook up. I converted my thunderbird from generator to alternator and hooked up the voltage regulator according to the diagram below (65 and up). I did not hook up the wire to the indicator light because I am using an amp gauge. I have the amp gauge hooked up to the starter solenoid. I am not getting any charge. I think I remember reading somewhere that the voltage regulator needs the indicator light hooked up for the resistance in order for the regulator to work properly. Is this the case? I am going to go with a GM internally regulated alternator in the near future but for now I need to get this one right. Thanks.

[60tbirdrick]

oops! meant volt gauge.

[docvette]

Doc here,

I do not have a Schematic for a TBird of that vintage, but I Do for a Mustang..which goes wire for wire against yours and should be the same.

It shows the Black/Yellow wire going from the Alternator, to the Volt /Amp gauge , and prior to the gauge shows a jumper from the black/yellow to the terminal binding post..so..Yeah looks as if it must have power on it to work.

Doc

[60tbirdrick]

Thanks Doc, I will try it out.

[GypsyR]

I believe you're both quite right. I ran into the exact same thing redoing my old old Mustang which never had an alternator light, nor should it. Out of desperation I finally added one per the diagram of my newer model F150. It charged immediately. I never did figure what was going on (or really worry about it once it was functional) but I suspect my parts store regulator may have been meant for a later model car. I have since tossed it all in favor of a late model 3G alternator. I took a liking to the light and kept it though, the stock ammeter is useless. Plus a 3G setup works best with an indicator light anyway.

[randolphi]

In a ammeter equiped ford without a light---
The "S" terminal is not used--on the alternator.
The regulator "S" terminal is wired to the ignition switch normally open ignition pole.{green w/red stripr}
(this powers the regulator coil)
Also the ignition swt power is disconected from {solenoid} terminal & moved to {alternator} bat+ terminal {fairly important} now shaired with ammeter.
The ignition swt can now show the discharge.
the (black w/yellow stripe) is removed from the alternator, and placed on ammeter, allowing current to pass through meter to alternator.
The A+ terminal is wired to the starter relay {solenoid} bat.+ side.
The "I" terminal has no connection.--
P.S. ( all ammeter equiped fords in the day, would not start if the ammeter failed)