Ground cable from body to alternator

C

cfcrotweiller

Member
Greetings!

I have put an voltmeter across both ends of the ground cable, and did not get continuity. I've also noticed the battery keeps draining, thus not charging (with the engine on or off it reads about 11.9v).
Could this ground cable on the alternator be the culprit? I'm going to get hold of one hopefully tomorrow but just wanted a second opinion.
Cheers
Andy
 
Ground cable on the alternator?
At a battery voltage of 11.9V, you are lucky to get a start, definitely not charging.
Is the ignition light staying on?
what type of alternator do you have?

Usually ( on cars ) the alternator grounds through it's mounting.

Jim.
 
Geordie Jim said:
Ground cable on the alternator?
At a battery voltage of 11.9V, you are lucky to get a start, definitely not charging.
Is the ignition light staying on?
what type of alternator do you have?

Usually ( on cars ) the alternator grounds through it's mounting.

Jim.
Click to expand...

Yes it's hard to start.
The car was missing half its engine, and on the left side near the alternator there was a ground cable (one end attached to the chassis, the other loose). I assumed this would attach to one of the securing bolts on the alternator.
Can anyone tell me where this ground cable "could" go? Its a LHD if that helps.

Cheers
Andy
 
The engine earth lead is close to the left hand side engine mount.
It sounds as if someone has added that earth lead. You could connect it the alternator mounting bolt.
The first thing to do is charge the battery.
Use a multi-meter check the voltage at the alternator ( on the thickest lead). You may need to switch the ignition on, depending on the type of alternator.

Jim.
 
Hi,
Checked with a voltmeter on the thick wire from alternator and engine, and got a stable 11.35v (battery now won't start the car).
Is there a way to check the alternator that it is generating voltage? It has 4 wires out of the back (one of them being the thicker positive lead). Do the others have specific readings that I can compare with?
Cheers
 
If charging the voltage will be around 14.5 normally so i think charging is broken, whether thats a regulator or an alternator!

FWIW, the range rover alternator conversion i did was well worth it. If you want help figuring out how to do that on yours just let me know!

Rich
 
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