wiring up a gen light

[andykotzur]

Hello all
Does anyone have advice for wiring up the gen light on the dash when using a alternater? Bloke that sold me the alternater said to run a ignition power wire through the light, then off to the alternater to excite it into charging the battery. Its not charging at the moment. Any help would be good as I am afraid of damaging something.
Andy

[mcl1959]

Should not be necessary - does your alt have inbuilt or separate reg?

Ken

[Ed]

Andy,

As Ken says, not all alternators require an exciter, however if you are using one that does,  I did some research to work out the exciter circuit some time ago when I was using a camira alternator.

More in the thread below, although some of the problems I experienced were from incorrect pulleys ultimately.

I did post up some part no's of resistors or bulbs you could use.

Cheers

Ed

http://fefcholden.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,11884.0.html

[andykotzur]

I think it has an inbuilt regulater. The original wire from the gen light has 12volts of power. I ve hooked it to the w (warning, I guess) lug on the alternater but it still wont charge. Does the alternater need to be earthed?, as mine is mounted through rubber cushioning mounts, so its maby not earthed.

[OldGMHolden]

YES!!!
Connect a wire from alternator body to engine block, minimum size same as alternator (+) wire, and as short as practical.
Make sure of a firm bolted connection, with proper terminals.
Should fix it immediately if there are no other burnt-out bits.

Cheers,
Ol'Gaz

[andykotzur]

Success at last. It was the earth. The aircon mount ive used is soft mounted, and the alternater sits on top with a soft mounted adjustment rod. All good now. Thanks for your help.
Andy