If anyone is intereseted...

[jemarshall64]

Almost all local parts stores and such can do a charging system check on the vehicle. Had one done at a sears once too, but I prefer to find a shop that specializes in stuff like that, have both a united battery and arts electric that I use.

 

[dkminors]

If your wiring has not been tampered with this would not likely apply, but the po on my sii had rewired the alternator and switched the field and signal wires on the connector. This caused a fixed ≈35Ω connection directly to ground. The battery just drained away over time until I discovered the issue.

 

[bvrScout]

if your wiring has not been tampered with this would not likely apply, but the po on my sii had rewired the alternator and switched the field and signal wires on the connector. This caused a fixed ≈35Ω connection directly to ground. The battery just drained away over time until I discovered the issue.

Good call. The original wire to #1 on the alternator was cut and a crude temp wire (I am assuming not resistive between 10 to 50 ohms as the wiring diagram states) was strung from the bulkhead connector straight over to the alt. If I jiggle the wire or hold in a certain position the lights come on stronger so I think that must be the culprit.

 

[SS2]

If I jiggle the wire or hold in a certain position the lights come on stronger so I think that must be the culprit.

Look at that. You have just jumped to the level of IH master mechanic.

most stuff can be fixed by "jiggling" or "tapping" although sometimes "tapping" May need to be done aggressively with a 5 pound hammer.

 

[Major Screwup]

look at that. You have just jumped to the level of IH master mechanic.

most stuff can be fixed by "jiggling" or "tapping" although sometimes "tapping" May need to be done aggressively with a 5 pound hammer.

"tapping" with anything larger than a 2# hammer is technically know as "persuading" you should know that!

 

[bvrScout]

starting To get the hang of working on this old junkiron. I am also changing my mindset to everything-the-po-touched-is-fookerd-up-until-I-re-do-it.

 

[Major Screwup]

starting To get the hang of working on this old junkiron. I am also changing my mindset to everything-the-po-touched-is-fookerd-up-until-I-re-do-it.

Now yer figgering it out...there has been 35+ years of cheap fixes, patches, stupid ideas, "my buddy" remedies, po diy repairs and old worn out stuff!