I wired my alternator into my battery cutoff switch using the two wires that plug into the side of the alternator, (small brown wire to one small post of cutoff switch, red wire from same connector at alt. to the other small post of cutoff switch.)
when the switch is left on, this causes a drain in my charging system.
I remember spence telling me to wire in a diode, or light bulb (to prevent this problem?)
if so, what am I looking for in a diode (as far as values? ) do they have a polarity? (blue stripe comes to mind)
another issue I am experiencing is; after driving the vehicle , and shutting it off, I have to jump start it (due to a semi- discharged battery, I believe)
The battery does not seem to charge during normal operation.
the volt meter struggles to maintain 13 volts while driving. (100 amp alt.)
poor ground?
battery is in trunk, I used 1 gauge wire to feed everything forward,
and grounded the battery to a roll cage plate in the trunk, which is welded to a factory subframe point.
I have sub frame connectors.
I grounded the block to the S.F. connector,and firewall
also grounded transmission case to S.F. connector (because someone recommended it.)
I have a mechanic friend who told me to run a ground wire from battery (neg. post) to starter bolt.
Is this necessary?
I think I have a two fold problem, but they may be related.
BTW. when at idle (750 RPM) the idiot light on the dash is visible(GENERATOR)
at higher RPM it goes out.
I turned the idle up, thinking it would help, but,
I have yet to take a long trip, or drive at night , because of these issues.
thanx for any help guys
rick the mason