Battery/Alternator Charging problems

[TC00GT]

I recently did a front end rebuild, so basically everything from the firewall forward was removed, to paint the engine bay. Now that everything is re-assembled, I'm having issues with the alternator not charging the battery. The battery is brand new, as is the alternator. I also had it tested at 2 places, to make sure it wasn't defective. I also replaced the wiring harness that attaches to the alternator. I grounded it to the engine block.

I can't figure out what else it could be. The car will run, but clearly the battery is not being charged, and as soon as I shut her down, it won't turn over again, without being jumpstarted.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this? Could it have anything to do with the voltage regulator or starter solenoid? I'm at a loss right now.

 

[carefact0rzero]

i'd say voltage regulator. are your headlights acting up too? mine was doing the same thing and the headlights were really dim, replaced the voltage regulator and it was fine.

 

[jcode68]

Did you reconnect the engine ground strap to the firewall?

 

[TC00GT]

Ya, the headlights are real dim, and the directionals barely blink. voltage regulator, I hate that thing. I replace it almost every year it seems like. I'll try that.

And yes I re-attached the ground strap, but it's worth checking again, because I painted the block and the firewall, so I'll check the connections to make sure they are good surfaces.

 

[Rusty67]

If you hate the voltage regulator so much then why not put in an internally regulated alternator like a 3G ? As far as I've seen they are very reliable.

Edit:
You might want to add a second ground strap to the engine just for the hell of it. It seems like that has helped some people on the forums in the past.

 

[TC00GT]

If you hate the voltage regulator so much then why not put in an internally regulated alternator like a 3G ? As far as I've seen they are very reliable.

Edit:
You might want to add a second ground strap to the engine just for the hell of it. It seems like that has helped some people on the forums in the past.

I am not familiar with such a thing. I'll have to look into them, although this alternator is brand new. I'll check them out. Thanks.

 

[mo'factor]

I have a 3G alternator from PAperformance on mine. It works good, but the belt slips and can cause what symptoms you are having. I should have taken their advice to serpentine belts on.

 

[Rusty67]

I don't see how a 3G alternator would slip more then the stock 1G alternator as long as they were both tentioned properly. Maybe your pullies aren't clean from contamintens and you belt needs to be replaced ?