Alternator/VR problem
 

I just picked up my 82 sc targa from winter storage in a friends barn. He switched the cables from his charger when he tried to charge it (Ugh!) but he says he didn't turn the ignition switch on when they were connected wrongly. I charged the battery correctly and it seemed to hold a charge so I reinstalled it, and drove 5 miles home.

1. The alternator/battery light stayed on the entire time it was driven, but goes off with the key off.
2. Nothing changes with my meter on the battery cables, even when revving to 2500 rpm or so.
3. The headlight brightness doesn't change when revving either
4. Whether pertinent or not, the oxs light stays on, just like the alt light
5. It's an internal voltage regulator, I changed the chassis ground strip a couple of years ago, and all the other electrics seem to be fine.

I know I have to pull it to check both the VR and the alt, but does anybody 'Know' what damage would have been done with the switched charger leads? Was anything automatically fried, or ?

Thx jb

Ignition switch off or on doesn’t matter. Positive battery cable lead runs directly to the alternator via the starter connection, so the alternator saw the reversed polarity.
May have messed up the VR or a diode in the alternator.

Thx for your reply
So...is there anyway to tell which it is (VR or diode) prior to pulling them out? I've been driving it about 10 mi/day (5 each way) and it would be optimal if I knew which it was so I could have the parts here to minimize downtime
Thx again

What is the voltage reading on the battery at rest, when idling and when rpm’s are raised.

The following thread might help you understand the alternator idiot light function.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/822438-alternator-light-issue.html?highlight=Alternator

doesn't matter as the diode and regulator are both in the alternator, sounds like it is coming out either way.

Voltage
Key off 12.1v
Key on. 11.68v
Running. 11.68v
2200 rpm. 11.68v
Lights on. 11.43v
Thx jb

The voltage should be near or over 13.5 volts while running. Looks like you have no output from the alternator, you will need to repair or replace it.

I pulled the fan/alt out today and found these 3 'little round things' on the engine case. I can see where they came from in the alt, but not why they came out? I take this to be a Bad omen? Also in the pic you can see the brushes, which don't look too bad to me, but they, and the shaft they ride on, are a bit scored. But to my inexperienced eye, I don't know what exactly they are supposed to look like when good.

I don't suppose I can just put the 3 round things back, and call it good? :)

Thx jbhttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1651618241.jpg

Are they the pressed in diodes.