Jump to content

Burnt Alternator wire after 3 hour drive


JDMClassic

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 75
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

The truck may of originally had an externally regulated alternator.   There is a really good possibility some previous owner changed it.   If you just bought the truck, the alternator problem may be one reason it was for sale.

 

I am not real familiar with 620 trucks.  Other people on this board are.  Now, if if was a 521...

 

Glass fuses can look good, and be bad.  The fuse element inside the fuse is just soldered to the end caps of the glass fuse.  If the fuse gets hot, the element can come unsoldered from the end cap, and still look good.  You must check for voltage on both sides of the fuse, with that circuit on.  Use a test light. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment

When i went to autozone they told me that the stock alternator had an external regulator. But what I thought I had an internal...

Yes the stock alternator for a 74 620 may have been externally regulated, but your alt. in the photo appears to be internally regulated if DanielC is correct, he mentioned in an earlier post if it had L/S on it, it was internally regulated, so someone likely changed it out.

Now if that someone did not know what they were doing and just put that alternator on the engine and expected it to work, then they have not a clue, you see if  and when you change over you have to make a set of jumper wires to bypass the external regulator like I did on my 521.

wiring_diagramIR.jpg

This is what mine looks like on my 521, you can see the external regulator and its plug in back of my wiring mods.

DSCN1040.JPG

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Has S & L markings on it so internal regulator.

 

521 alternators were 33 or 35 amp depending before '71

 

620 alternators were 35 for L16/18 and 35 or 38 (optional) for the L20B engines.... internally regulated after '77.

 

 

I think there is only one fuse that might prevent the alternator from charging . It provides power from the battery to one side of the red light. This is part of the sense wire providing a small current to start the alternator magnetic field. As the red charge light works it probably isn't that. 

 

You have two choices here.

 

Convert to a internal set up by adding a couple of jumper wires and disconnecting your external regulator.

or

Replace the internal with an external regulated alternator.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

This is what Daniel said in an earlier post,

 

Take the alternator out.  Look at the back of the alternator, by the two small terminals that are in a "T" orientation.  there should be two other letters by that connection.   If you have "F", and "N", it is an externally regulated alternator.  "S" and "L" is an internally regulated alternator.

 

So which version is correct, yours or his?

Has S & L markings on it so external regulator.

 

521 alternators were 33 or 35 amp depending before '71

 

620 alternators were 35 for L16/18 and 35 or 38 (optional) for the L20B engines.... internally regulated after '77.

 

 

I think there is only one fuse that might prevent the alternator from charging . It provides power from the battery to one side of the red light. This is part of the sense wire providing a small current to start the alternator magnetic field. As the red charge light works it probably isn't that. 

 

Otherwise put everything back together and see if it works!!! and we'll go from there.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

 

This is what Daniel said in an earlier post,

 

Take the alternator out.  Look at the back of the alternator, by the two small terminals that are in a "T" orientation.  there should be two other letters by that connection.   If you have "F", and "N", it is an externally regulated alternator.  "S" and "L" is an internally regulated alternator.

 

So which version is correct, yours or his?

Yes wayno I read it and quoted it wrongly. Thought I corrected my mistake but missed that. Ah FIVE min between posts. You quoted me before I caught the mistake.

 

S & L INTERNAL

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Hello ratsun community. This is my situation. I just bought a 1974 Datsun 620 from a guy up in LA. After purchasing it I drove it back home in San Diego.

 

 

 

Mike what gage you think that white and red wire to the positive connection of the alternator is?

 

Does this wire potentially carry 35A? If so 90deg.C 14AWG cu conductor is minimum. What is it fused at? . 16AWG Is only good to 24A.

Larger is always better. Fourteen is house wire and that looks much thicker. I would run 12 or more. The charge wire on my 100 amp alternator is thick as my little finger!!! Actually thicker than the stock 710 battery cable!!!

  • Like 1
Link to comment

I agree fully. My minimum was NEC code. Minimum is generally not wise. Wire is cheap. That said, copper the size of my finger (250 MCM) will carry around 400A. Maybe a compromise? 4AWG good to well over 100A. Durable. Workable. Available. Get THWN-2 or better. Fine strand. And it will still be enough when you upgrade your alt.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

So I'm charging my battery as we speak and in an hour I'm going to power it up. I've installed the Prostart alternator and gave the belt a tight tension. I've also replaced the charred section the wiring going in to the alternator.I think she's almost ready to be start up!! Fingers crossed and knock on elbows!

Link to comment

Never found out if you have an external voltage regulator on the inner fender. It's fist size and square metal can with rounded corners just behind the battery.

 

SAM_0049.jpg

 

 

I think it wise to check that it's there and plugged in. What if the truck has already been converted for use with that other internal alternator???

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.