What The Echlin Is Going On?

If I am a mediocre mechanic (and I am), I am an awful automotive electrician.

My question is: How do I check to make sure my voltage regular is wired correctly?

The backstory: My Jeep doesn't seem to recharge the battery, or maybe it does, but not very well. I've worried about other things until now, because my trips have all short enough that this hasn't been a pressing issue.

I suspect the wiring to the voltage regulator because two of the wires were disconnected when I got the Jeep. My uncle connected them and, when the Jeep started, said: "That must be right!"

Note that the yellow wire in the photo is grounding something, and the top connector tab you see in the photo (just in front of the yellow wire) is unused at this time (?).

The Jeep is a CJ2A, but I am posting here because it has an 225 V6.

Thanks, wise ones.

 

use an Ohm meter. touch wires while its running.

 

How do you know that is the correct reg? We need more info and pic for sure. What alternator (part number) (picture) etc and a (Howard beat me to it)

 

Not to reveal all of my ignorance, but what am I looking for? I presume that one wire is incoming (from the coil?) and should have a given voltage reading? And another should be outgoing (to the alternator?) with a given (12 volts?) reading?
One thing I should have noted above: The yellow wire is a ground to something, and the top connector tab you see in the photo is unused at this time (?) .

 

I hope these are useful. If not, I can try to do a better job at lunch.

 

What you need to know is the type of alternator. Some are internally regulated and some are not. You may not need any of those "extra" wires connected. Answer the previous question regarding what you have so we can give you some direction. We can't help until we know what you have. Those wires you're worried about might not be needed.
-Donny

 

I don't know if it's the "correct" regulator, but the regulator, alternator and coil have all been in there since the '70s or '80s. So I hope to start by just figuring out whether the wires are even connected to the right tabs. There are six possible combinations, if I count correctly.
One question: Will I damage anything by trying all six combinations?

 

You definitely could fry something. You need to identify your components and once known, find the correct wiring of the components. Its very possible the couple wires that were disconnected when you got your Jeep were left disconnected for a reason. I've installed internally regulated alternators and left the old external regulator just for a place to terminate the wires. Yes, some wires are left disconnected when you do this.
You need to know what alternator you have in your Jeep before anyone can give specific direction. Playing with the wires when you don't know what they do is playing roulette with your wiring. Diodes in the alternator are will almost certainly become victim to trial and error wiring.
-Donny

 

Looks like some kind of a Delco alternator from here.
Take a look here
Catalog
for some info, this should help to identify if it is a "SI"version or the older version with the external regulator.

 

This may be what you have (the one on the right.) which shows the regulator terminals (2 on right) going to the indicator light. So the terminal on the left (reg) goes to the field terminal on the alternator (right spade) looking at the back. Make sure the regulator is well grounded.

 

Put a GM 1 wire alt on it and forget it.
Inexpensive, reliable, and built in regulator!
All my classic cars, trucks,and jeep have this, even put one on the farm tractor,
When they wanted 300$ for a stock one?