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Alternator Field Wire Question

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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 11:24 PM
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Default Alternator Field Wire Question

Have a 71 with standard alternator and wiring. After a belt change, had no charging. Had to remove the 2 pin connector. Checked the field pin with a test light, and nothing. The sense pin had voltage OK.

I know on "normal" cars the field wire goes to the "gen" light to provide the excitation for the field ckt.

Checking the schematics...what a PIA the brown field wire seemed to run back to the radio fuse??? Where does the wire actually connect to...and what about this resistor that gets talked about?
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Old Mar 20, 2015 | 10:09 AM
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Searched archives...searched Google....no help
Anybody??
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Old Mar 20, 2015 | 10:21 AM
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http://chargerr.com/Alternators/ALT.HTM
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Old Mar 20, 2015 | 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by pws69
That site gives a nice explanation of the field connection for a gen lite.

I did find out that if I rev over 2000 then it energizes...

After reading the schematic AGAIN...the wire is a resistance wire, and I assume it connects to a switched source at fuse block. This takes the place of the bulb.

CHECKED AGAIN, NO VOLTS WITH KEY ON...but she is self energizing above 2K rpms. Fuses ok. Any help???

Last edited by mikem350; Mar 20, 2015 at 01:17 PM. Reason: Thought I got it..but no
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 12:45 PM
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Have to ttt to see if I get an answer...The sites mentioned above don't apply for vettes without GEN lites.

Simple question, where does the field wire connect to. After reading the schematic AGAIN...the wire is a resistance wire, and I assume it connects to a switched source at fuse block?? But need to know its exact source as there is no voltage on it (except after engine revs to 2000 rpm). I do not have the amp gauge hooked up if that matters.
Thanks, Mike

Last edited by mikem350; Mar 21, 2015 at 12:47 PM.
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 06:38 PM
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The amp gauge is part of the circuit so YES, you should hook it up.
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Old Mar 22, 2015 | 11:49 AM
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Default Still looking

Originally Posted by Peterbuilt
The amp gauge is part of the circuit so YES, you should hook it up.
The PO cut out bunches of wires, and all the gauge wires, so I added a voltmeter instead.

If any one has a link to a clear diagram showing the field wire or can just tell me where it goes I would be thankful!! Wilcox shows a 75 car but the brn wire is different from a 71. The ones I have seen show a resistance wire for 71 in the harness but I cant figure out where it hooks up to Must be sw ign somewhere!
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