So I just had to replace the water pump on my '55 Caddy with a 331, and the one I replaced it with isn't quite the original factory dimensions and since I have converted over to an alternator I had to build new brackets to get clearance for the belt. Somehow while bumping it around trying to get everything to line up right, I seem to have killed my alternator. Any idea what I may have done to it? It's got 3 wires connected, 2 connectors on the side are a purple wire that I believe just goes to ground on the left & a brown wire that I have no clue where it goes on the right, and a thick wire going to the battery + terminal from a post on the back.
Those are the only wires right? I don't recall doing anything traumatic to the alternator like drop-kicking it across the driveway or anything, and those 3 wires are exactly as they were before when everything worked. About all I can think of is that it sits closer to the wheel well now than it used to, can't ground out over there can it? the case is already grounded anyway through the brackets mounting it to the block right? Seems like such a simple system I can't imagine what I screwed up.
Oh, I should mention what I've done so far to determine its dead. Voltage at the battery with the engine off is 12.67, with the engine on is 12.52, so the alternator isn't charging. No nasty noises though & it is spinning as it should.
Those are the only wires right? I don't recall doing anything traumatic to the alternator like drop-kicking it across the driveway or anything, and those 3 wires are exactly as they were before when everything worked. About all I can think of is that it sits closer to the wheel well now than it used to, can't ground out over there can it? the case is already grounded anyway through the brackets mounting it to the block right? Seems like such a simple system I can't imagine what I screwed up.
Oh, I should mention what I've done so far to determine its dead. Voltage at the battery with the engine off is 12.67, with the engine on is 12.52, so the alternator isn't charging. No nasty noises though & it is spinning as it should.