Hello All.
I have a slight problem with my 1969 Starfire, after a short out, due to the horn wires melting on to the exhaust pipes when the bracket broke, almost burning out the loom, repairs were made and Zenor diode & solid state rectifier replaced with a RR 12v-14 unit, I am showing a discharge on the ammeter, when lights are on but no sign of charging, although checking with the meter at the battery it's showing a charge, ammeter is okay, when I took it for a short ride through the town I notice the primary chain case was very hot, I know the weather was hot, which didn't help but I could not hold my hand on the chain case for any length of time.
Maybe I've missed something, or maybe I need to get a new loom, what do you think?
TTJohn
Was the chaincase temp the same as the other side?
Is the battery charging with the lights off?
Have you checked for shorts in any other circuits?
You should be able to check the alternator coil resistance to check there are no shorts there.
Adrian,
I never checked the temp on the other side, I have not checked the resistance of the alternator, I believe that that should be okay as it's a relatively new one but I will, after I get back from the Hampshire camp this weekend, I may just make up a new harness next week.
Many thanks for your input, very often there is something simple you tends to miss.
TTJohn
Hi Adrian
I have just noticed this thread so may be a bit late.
I think your hot primary chain case and the absence of any charge indication could be the clues here.
It seems likely that there is a disconnection between your alternator and the rectifier or your rectifier is incorrectly connected or faulty.
With the engine running your alternator is generating power but if it has no load caused by the above that power has nowhere go and is dissipated in the windings of the alternator thus heating up your primary casing.
I would check the wiring of your rectifier and work back toward the alternator and hope the alternator windings aren't damaged if I were you.
I hope this helps, best of luck.