83 sc voltage regulator - no more current after installation
 

hi.
I replaced my voltage regulator by a new one this weekend.
its the internal kind.
after i put everything back together, i do not get any current from the alternator anymore; if i unplug the battery while the car is running it stalls.
(Before, i was getting too much, my battery was boiling.)

I also noticed than my battery waining light in the dash does not illuminate at any time, before or after i start the car.

is there a fuse or something simple im missing, i should verify?
if not i will take it apart again and reinstall the old regulator and see what happens...
never taught that simple task would become so frustrating...


any ideas?

Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is running - doing so can burn out the diode bridge in the alternator.

Recheck your regulator wiring - did you make notes on the old configuration?

Yes I'm pretty sure of the wires being right, the reds fit only one place,all the browns together opposite side and the blue in the middle on top. I also doublechecked than the regulator was plugged in properly.

Silly question....did the ground get removed and not put back?
I know the browns are supposed to be the grounds...but look carefully to see if the place where they plug in is really the casing of the alt.
Bob

Now than I think about it I might have reversed the blue and brown. I'm stuck in a dinner party, can't wait to get home and verify...

The blue wire is the alternator light ground when the ignition is on with the car not running. The bulb has 12volts when the ignition key is on and gets it's ground through the blue wire. When the alternator is spinning and providing power the light is extinguished because there is 12 volts on both terminals of the bulb. The bulb has to work in order for the alternator to charge.