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Was it the alternator or the voltage regulator?

I made the mistake of disconnecting the battery in the boat while the engine was running. Now, as expected, my alternator is not producing juice to charge the battery. The alt. is on an older Ford 302 , is a 3 wire, and has an external regulator. What is it that goes when I made this mistake - the alternator or the regulator? Which should be replaced?

Thanks - Michael

stargazer14
Dec 1
2006
Even marine single wire alternators can usually be found for under a $100 if you shop around. That's the route I'd take. jamesgangnc
Dec 1
It's most likely a diode in the alternator.

If your alternator is as old as the "older Ford 302" this might be a good excuse to take it to a shop for an overhaul or a rebuild. While replacing the (probably) failed diode, the shop can inspect the rest of the mechanism and replace or adjust components as required.

Chuck
Dec 1
Depends on the alternator, and depending on the Volt regulator being seperate fropm teh alternator.

On automotive use, Ford has their own motorcraft, but on a boat, it could be a Delco, or Motorola, or an OMC ould probably use a Prestolite (ugh!). Chances are its a delco remy.

BUT! If it is a Ford Motorcraft, there's ways of testing it. First see if you have a blown fuse link, which would be between the Alt. output (heavy wire) , and usually attach's to the pos. Bat. cable attached to the solonoiod. If that wire is dead, then you have probably blown out the fuse link, which is made in the wire. Not hard to splice and replace. But I doub't if that has happened.

Next , you can go to the back of the alternator,a nd supposing the output wire is hot, you can un plug, or un bolt the field wire ( usually orange) which is right under the back bearing. right next to the output post. With the engine running, you can use a jumper wire and cross those two terminals and the alternator should run wide open. You can tell this by using a remote battery guage the voltage will usually clime from the standarrd 12v/ up to about 16.

If thats the case, then get another voltage regulator.

On a Delco system with the expternal VR, you can do the same thing, by unplugging the alt, and running a jumper between the bat output wire, and the "F" or "1" terminal. it should run wide open as well.

Tim
Dec 1
   

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