Questions and Answers

Scout Won't Charge Q. Help, please! I own a 1973 IH Scout II. I replaced the alternator about a week and a half ago, when my truck died out as I pulled in the driveway one night, and wouldn't start again. First problem, I may have crossed the wires that plug into the side of the alternator, for the internal voltage regulator. I bought a new plug-in because the old one was looking tired.

When I spliced it in, I lost track of which was which. Second problem, my buddy hooked up the alternator while I was at work, and jumped it to get it running, instead of charging the battery. The guys at the parts store say the alternator is fine, I had them run a test on it. They also say the voltage regulator is ok, according to the machine. I bought a new battery when I had problems starting up after the initial alternator replacement. Since, I've had it charged by the parts shop when I got the alternator checked.

The truck won't start, but it will run fine if you jump it, as long as the headlights are not on. When they are on, the truck dies out, even when you turn them off and try to crawl your way home on the back roads. The parts store fellas checked the battery when the engine is running, it's not getting juice from the alternator. Any help you can give would be great, I'm lost. I don't have a voltmeter or anything, and can't really afford one for a while, I'm still going to school, and $$ is tight as it is. But, I love this truck, and want to get it healthy.

Oh, it has a 258 6 cylinder Holley carbureted engine. I've got a three speed manual transmission, and the top is off, its summer, and I can't drive it to the lake, the ladies never want to ride in the truck that doesn't run. Please rescue me

.

Thanks.
Sincerely, Cache

A. I don't know how much I can help you Cache, I don't have a wiring diagram for that truck and no one I know has one.

I would check the large red wire on the BATT terminal of the alternator and see if you have, about, 13.5 and 14.5 volts coming out. I suspect you will because it tested out okay. If you do, then trace that wire back to the battery and make sure it is in good shape and not broken anywhere. This is what supplies voltage to the battery so if it is broken the battery will not charge.

I hope this helps.

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