Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 4/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: hello, i purchased an alternator, new battery, and the battery is still draining. how can i test the voltage regulator? also, i think i may have the wiring wrong on the alternator.. help!!! thanks, mike
ANSWER: What kind of vehicle are you working on? Year?

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QUESTION: i have a 1965 AMC American Model 440 with an inline 6 232 engine, i believe the alternator is a motorola type. thank you
ANSWER: When you say it is draining, I assume you mean the battery dies after the vehicle sits for a while. I would measure parasitic drain using an Ammeter hooked in series with a battery cable. It should read less than 50 mA. I would also measure the output of the alternator. At 1500 RPM with a load, i.e headlight on high beam, blower on high speed, the alternator should put out at least 30-40 Amps @ around 14.5 Volts.

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QUESTION: i truly appreciate your answer. Sounds like you really know you're stuff! While i have your attention good sir, may I be so bold to ask another question:
I purchased the voltage regulator for this car, but there is a yeallow wire thats not connected. My new voltage regulator came with another lead that just hangs there. it looks sort of like this http://i16.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/99/10/d778_1.JPG
i noticed there is another fuse next to where the v. regulator is bolted onto the car. The fuse has two wires leading to it. Could that have anything to do with it?  

Answer
If the original regulator did not have the yellow wire, don't worry about it. Often, generic regultors are designed to fit a multitude of different vehicles. I do recommend staying away from the budget components. Go to places like NAPA for electrical components or stay with name brands. You get what you pay for.