Hey Brownie 450 or JimN....

Absent Minded Farmer · Jul 9, 2009

I came back from Rad Shack with a nice analog 18 range multitester & a diode that is supposed to work in my instance. Supposed being the operative here. They are 3a 200piv epoxy (?!) rectifier diodes. If these don't solve my problem, I can return them. They do have a 1N4007 diode thats in a multi pack. No individual ones at this time. Should I take this schmuckler's advice & use the epoxy diode or wait & buy the variety pack? It seems like they are always too eager to sell me just anything. In the mean time, I'm going to hide in the basement & play with my trains. There are a good 60 locomotives that need to be load tested by fall. I'll have another go at the 400 tomorrow. Thanks again - Mike

Janicholson · Jul 9, 2009

The epoxy diode will do it. Make sure it conducts toward the alternator, and not the other way.
When the alternator is not turning, and the key is on, the #1 terminal appears to be a ground to the system. it is looking for 12 volts to excite (start) the charging. Once it starts charging, the #1 terminal puts out charging volts. This is what needs to be stopped. The diode needs to be at the alternator, in the line to #1 terminal only. If it is between the switch and the coil, it will not work. (put it 2 or three inches from the alternator, and put shrink tubing over it to keep it clean and dry. JimN

Absent Minded Farmer · Jul 9, 2009

Thanks, Jim, I'll give it my best in the morning, then. - Mike

Brownie 450 · Jul 10, 2009

If you need a few 1N4007's, I'd be happy to send some along. It appears that you have the problem solved though.

Hey Brownie 450 or JimN....

Absent Minded Farmer

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Absent Minded Farmer

Well-known Member

Brownie 450

Member