Stator wire 65 Comet?

[wallaka]

I've finally started troubleshooting that problem with the Comet where the alternator won't charge. So first I check the wires on the alternator and everything looks good except--hey, why is there a bare terminal? And where is the wire to it?

The other 3 wires are on a little quick-disconnect harness and are on there correctly. But the stator wire is missing. I'm assuming that this is my problem. That said, it USED to be there, or at least the car did charge the battery. The car hasn't been running much in two years, and I rebuilt the engine, etc. So where should the wire come from?? I will try to trace it down.

 

[Lazy JW]

1. Is this a Ford alternator?

2. Are you referring to the main OUPUT wire? or;

3. Are you referring to the wire that taps into the center of the stator and is used to power the electric choke?
Joe

 

[wallaka]

Yep, stock Ford 1G externally regulated alternator. I'm talking about the main stator wire. I don't have an electric choke. There is a wire on the "S" terminal on the regulator, but not one in the wiring harness that goes to the alternator. The wiring diagram in the shop manual shows a stator wire, but it just says "typical" applications. The Comet is sometimes a little different than the Falcon.

The ground wire is there, as well as the wire going to the field and the battery one. I am wondering SHOULD there be a wire going to the stator post on the alternator or not. If so, I'll run one over. If not, I'll have the alternator tested to see if it's it or the regulator that is bad.

 

[Lazy JW]

My schematic for the 70's vintage pickups show a wire running from the stator on the alt. to the regulator. This schematic does NOT have the labels such as "S" or "F", however, but it seems reasonable that the "S" would indicate stator.

The same wire splits and goes to the electric choke (when used).

The stator current apparently activates a relay inside the regulator. I do not have a theory of operation manual for the Ford regulators so am just going by the schematic.

Were it mine I would connect the "S" to the stator and be ready to disconnect quickly if it starts to smoke
Joe

 

[wallaka]

Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. I just wish I knew where the wire went.

 

[wallaka]

Joe, I figured it out. The stator wire is only on those cars that have an idiot light. So it's either the alternator or the regulator.

 

[Axle Roads]

JW is right. There is a relay inside the regulator. I just tested it using a AA and 9V battery.

A and F are voltage in and out.
S or I will activate the gate.
Regulator was grounded to 9 V.


While both S and I both serve as a gate, there was a difference in the amount of voltage allowed though the gate, so they're not interchangeable. Hope this helps.