RE: alternator

["Gary H." <62to65mopar@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob here's a tip from Don D. (on the Tech Tips Page) that should help.

"The only difference electrically in the single field alternators and 
the dual wire alternators is in the 1962 Mopar alternator style single 
wire field the other brush holder is bolted uninsulated to the case, 
there by grounding it. To use a dual wire field on these cars, just put 
a ground wire from one of the two fields to the case and plug the other 
in as normal. It works perfectly and the alternator does not know the 
difference. The original regulator will function fine in this fashion 
The more adventuresome individual could ground the one terminal the same 
as the original one is, but a simple ground on the one terminal is the 
safest.

It is a very simple system. To do an Alternator Test remove the field 
wire from the alternator. Clip a jumper wire from the field terminal on 
the Alternator (that you just pulled the small wire off of) and clip the 
other end to the large post on the alternator (battery). Start the car 
and see if it charges. If it does then the alternator is fine. If not 
then the alternator is Kaput. (As previously mentioned, probably brushes 
as that is about all that ever fails in these alternators.) If it did 
charge, then the regulator is the problem (we know that because of the 
previous test (called a full field test) just bypassed all the regulator 
wiring etc.). Check and see with a test light is there power coming to 
the regulator (ignition key ON position) (small terminal on the side of 
the old style mechanical regulators). If there is, then see if there is 
any power coming down the wire to the alternator. Most common problem is 
a bad ground on the regulator case, (rusty hold down screws or they are 
stripped). Alternators despite their reputations are very simple to test 
and diagnose. Unlike a generator system they only control voltage. 
Current handled is built into the unit so testing is much easier then 
with a generator system. -- Don D."

Also, 
http://www.mymopar.com/alternator.htm has some date code tips.

Gary H.

P.s. you can also pull the alternator & bring it to a parts store that 
has a tester machine to spin it and get a output reading.




Bob Fortson wrote:
> 
> From the dumb question dept....
> 
> I cannot find/see any I.D. tags or numbers on my
> alternator...so,
> 
> How do I find out what I've got ? Will I have to
> dismount it to get at some ID ?  Can the output be
> measured in any way ?  
> What is the largest output...direct swap in available?
> ...It looks brand new but I'm sure that doesn't mean a
> thing.
> 
> BobF
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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