Hello, I have searched previous threads and am not coming up with an answer. I have no power at the signal wire from the voltage regulator to the altenator. I have replaced the altenator, then the battery, then I thought maybe I got a bad altenator and replaced it again after getting it bench tested, then the voltage regulator in that order. Any ideas?? Thank you in advance.

Edited June 30, 201610 yr by jlenownnab
there are a couple wires not hooked up to anything

What do you mean by Signal wire?  The external regulator alternators use an F and an N wire.  And you don't have anything connected to the BAT post, except the condenser.

 

I was told by my mechanic to post that on the Forum unfortunately I do not know how to trace the electrical system and have somebody doing that for me. I will have him go to that other post thank you.

if we have power at the altenator and the voltage regulator, is there anything else that could cause no output?

What year is your car?  

I think that you might have an internally regulated alternator.  That's what your picture looks like.  Your mechanic probably thought it was a direct swap, and probably meant Sense, not Signal.  If he did install an internally regulated alternator (1978 - 1983 Z and ZX) then he has to do some wiring or buy the adapter below.  It's not a bolt-on swap.  I'd buy the adapter, it's a plug-in and contains the diode to keep the engine from running when the key is turned off.

Here a link-  http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/12-4067

 

From what I remember you should have a T shaped plug in for the F & N, a wire o the E or ground and a screw down terminal on the BAT. If those are connected it should pull or magnet like pull a screwdriver to the center of the backside. 

I have a 75, he said I should consider putting a internally reg alt in but I like to keep things original. I asked orielys for a alternator for a  my tachometer isn't working either, not sure if that is related? he prob meant sense, he said he has to get back to old school thinking. there is a "t" shaped plug, I don't remember seeing a screw down terminal on bat. where is that coming from? thanks.

Check your IGN fuse. I blew mine fooling with the alt.

 

I can show pics in the morning. I'm using my phone now, sorry.

I asked orielys for an alt for a 75

pics would be great in morning, thankyou. will check fuse too.

Check for F and N molded in to the back of the alternator by the T plug (the right circle in my picture).   Oreillys has been known to give the wrong parts.  If they gave you the wrong alternator it will have S and L molded in to the back.  You can also see BAT molded in where the charging wire goes (the left circle).

I think the external regulator systems might not get power to N until the key is on.  

Your mechanic should know these things.  Is he a professional or just somebody you know?