The Ford Barn

2speed · 06-28-2025, 08:47 PM

Turns out it was the battery. With the HF load tester, it tested good, started the car fine, but after checking all the components in the alternator which all tested good, I swapped the battery and voila, it started charging normally.

Speaking of reliability, I know that everyone loves the 10si, but I kinda like the Ford 1G. Out of a million miles on collected vehicles, changed maybe 2 of them. Looking at the external regulator circuit, it looks like it's just a zener diode that regulates the voltage. While I'm not sure that you could make it positive ground, the regulator circuit doesn't look that complicated and someone with a bit of brains could probably make it do 6 volts. A little more wiring, but the regulator could be moved out of the heat, and it could a much cheaper alternative.

06-28-2025, 08:47 PM	#22
2speed Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 105	Re: Alternators Turns out it was the battery. With the HF load tester, it tested good, started the car fine, but after checking all the components in the alternator which all tested good, I swapped the battery and voila, it started charging normally. Speaking of reliability, I know that everyone loves the 10si, but I kinda like the Ford 1G. Out of a million miles on collected vehicles, changed maybe 2 of them. Looking at the external regulator circuit, it looks like it's just a zener diode that regulates the voltage. While I'm not sure that you could make it positive ground, the regulator circuit doesn't look that complicated and someone with a bit of brains could probably make it do 6 volts. A little more wiring, but the regulator could be moved out of the heat, and it could a much cheaper alternative.