Alternator with a Mag

[xrcr]

My 50 basket case has a alternator and a mag. I am not anywhere near worrying about this this seriously since I have more than a few other items to address first. But as my mind wanders 'cause I'm frustrated with what I'm working on, I'm thinking what's the point? Need the battery to turn the starter and run lights but that's it. At this point lights don't exist so no draw there. Trying to figure out what others were thinking is impossible but makes you wonder. Another question is should the batter show over 12 if the alt is working while running, I think so but don't know for sure never have had an alt. with a mag. My mind goes everywhere quite often so I thought I'd ask folks that know more than I do. Thanks for any input. Dangit, just saw something shiny, here we go again..... xrcr

[SONNY]

12-v alt from what they tell me is 13.6 to 14.5 volts. ---- none of my ammeters work, and I never tried to test them for output --- they always start so I assume they are working.

[Waif]

Is the mag set up like a mag? Or was the mag coil bypassed?
Having a 12 volt hints the mag system has been modified.

[xrcr]

Waif, The mag looks like it has not been touched externally with the exception of the what I think is the cut out wire. It is not connected but there is no off/run switch

[inairam]

this is my most used electrical meter for tractors and cars

It testes the battery and the charging system. $20-$40

You should be at 13-14+ on an alternator.

[xrcr]

inairam. I have that and it showed 12 when running so It would either be wired incorrectly or junk was my thinking

[Eugene]

It showed 12 when running so It would either be wired incorrectly or junk was my thinking

Need to know which brand alternator and model number, how many wires attach to the back of the alternator. And does the alternator have an external/seperate voltage regulator.

Unless there is a simple wiring fix to the alternator, it's less expensive to replace with a single wire 12 volt alternator.

[xrcr]

Eugene it is a delco can't find a model number. The way it is wired is one wire on Batt post(Alt). 1 jumper wire on Batt post going to spade 1 on Alt. Spade 2 wire going to ammeter. There is power to both sides of ammeter. Sound anywhere close to correct??? Might need a picture to explain better huh?

[Eugene]

https://app.photobucket.com/u/farmallbo ... 2dfaa66681

Search the above link for Delco 10SI wiring diagram. Should be down one row and on the left.

[tmays]

My guess would be, if it’s truly a mag unit, is po had charging problems and switched to alternator. Mag can run independently from the charging system.

[xrcr]

Thanks to all for the ideas. Still haven't totally focused on this specifically, but have a lot to look into.
xrcr