Topic: Ok im an idiot

[guywithuglyyota]

Yeah, now I know why Im a mechanic and not an electrician. I have been hounding different members on this thing, Mostly Kyota, and WT. Anyway I am attempting to install a delco 12si alternator on my 81 truck which originally had an external regulator. Anyway I was ring to bypass the old one, and all i can get is the dash light. No crank, no anyhting, this sucks. Anyway Im taking her to the shop so they can be paid to take over my nightmare. I hate giving up however I need to get this thing out of my driveway and into the hobby shop to install my duel cases and third's etc.

Luke

[WHITE_TRASH]

What are the wiring colors ont he factory plugs?  I have an 83 here I could compare with.  Id be more than happy to help ya figure it out I just need details. 

[guywithuglyyota [OP]]

Hey WT, yeah this project is kicking my a** . the three wires that conected to the original alternator ( 81 external regulator) yellow- sense? white with black stripe- ignition and green- indicator lamp.  The 12si has only two connections and the battery post, as im sure you know.  Well I removed the regulator off the fender and I cannot figure out how to wire up everything without having a rats nest of wiring. i have found that the white wire coming out of the original regulator was the return? Hope all this makes sense!  there was also a red wire that was only hot with the ignition on, as well as the green idiot light. I have heard that connecting the #2 connection to the battery is actually not healthy  for the alternator,  will never generate the amps its designed to push out. ANYWAY I hope all this makes sense! I pretty much was underprepared to start cutting wires. Thanks in advance for the help   

[donkeykong]

       to many wires...

[Brandon]

I didn't quite follow but alternators are easy.

Generally 2 wires, an excitor wire that more less turns it on (a powered wire from a + run source), then a wire to your charging system (battery generally). Any other wires are just for your gauges etc but aren't needed. That is assuming internal regulator but external just means you need a few more from your regulator to your alternator

Make sure it works with the stocker then go from there. I'll try to read into what ya got a bit later - back to work

[guywithuglyyota [OP]]

Thanks brandon, yeah I am a little too inexperienced with electrical, a normal swap I can do, but the external regulaor is kickin. Im an aircraft mechanic and we have specialists in the Air Force that chase wires. plus the instructions I have found on the net have the wrong wire colors. oh well I appreciate the help though! Ill have her towed monday to the shop.


Luke