Well I THINK i put everything in but I'm not sure. Switching from 6 volt to 12 volt, I swapped the generator for an alternator, put in a 12 v coil, new bulbs, new 12 v solenoid, new belts, a new resistor for the coil and a resistor for the gauges. I think that's everything. There is no fuse box in trucks this old. So my question is, how do I test everuything BEFORE I start the truck ? (Stupid question I bet). I know a test light lets me know if a circuit is complete but I haven't used one much so I'm not sure how to use it. My worry is I might have 2 wires on the wrong terminals somewhere. I think everything is back together. I just don't know if I did it right. If I start the truck up, I might blow something. Confidence was never my strongpoint.
The horn, heater and wipers I won't use for now. I just want to see if I can get the truck running first. Thank you in advance.
Hook up POS and then tap the ground and see if you get a huge fireworks show.
If not, set the ground cable on and quickly observe for smoke.
Do not tighten, keeping it ready to lift off.
Cuddles, If you have a meter (I prefer an analog, but a digital will work) hook up the leads between the Neg post and the Neg ground cable. Pos cable will be on the Pos post of the battery. The meter will likely read something, not to worry. Take your test light and with it, also go between the Neg post and the neg cable. Now... if the meter voltage drops off, and the test light DOES NOT light up....that tells you that you DO NOT have a short to ground, or anything left in the on position such as the key switch, or interior lights or anything else for that matter. On the flipside of things...If the voltage on the meter remains, and the test light DOES light up, you have a voltage draw. If this is the case, you have to find the cause. This could be from a lot of things, wired backward on a gauge, something simple like the key left on, doors open and interior light is on, alt diode trio is bad. To check the alt just pull the two prong plug out and if the light goes out you found it. Hopefully your test light won't light and the meter drops off during your test and all is good. This is about the safest way to test the system that there is. Not enough draw is created with the meter and test light inline so you won't fry anything. Good luck.
I just took another look at the picture and noticed the alt is a one wire deal. The two wire (or two prong) plug isn't there, just disconnect the Bat wire at the back of the alt and you will have the same results. It will show if the alt is pulling voltage or not.
Thanks guys. I forgot about my multi-meter. A friend said he would investigate using a block converter (whatever that is). Uh oh, dinner. Write more later.
I am anxious to try this tomorrow. Writing it all in my book to follow step by step. Hands on is a great way to learn. Thank you again Sniper & Pugsy. I will keep my fire extinguisher close by too.
