I have an overcharging problem with my 79 powerwagon. It would not start, so I replaced the ballast resister and coil. Still would't start, so I replaced the ignition module on firewall near where the wires go thru the firewall. This fixed the starting problem, however after letting it warm up I saw smoke coming from the volt gage in the dash. I took out gauge and found it had melted the wire insulation and warped the gauge from heat. A little longer and it would have been toast. Then I taped wires up and put back on gauge.I then checked voltage at battery and found it to be overcharging battery to 17+ volts when reved. Battery began to sizzle and overflow. I have read articles on this subject here and still can't find problem. I replaced voltage regulator and alternator. I removed tape on all underhood harnesses and checked all wires. Still no luck. Please help. Thanks, Gmayhew
stewart19777
01-03-2008, 10:11 PM
that sounds like the regulator in not wired in right or is not grounded, or possibly shorted out or just plan bad. but than agian mine is not inbtween my alt and bad. could just be alt wires. Im not real sure on that on. I totally rewired mine so not sure. ill do some checking on mine and get back to ya
gmayhew
01-04-2008, 09:41 AM
Stewart 19777, Thanks for reply on my overcharging problem. I have actually fixed the problem thanks to the help of another member. It was a bad regulator, although it was just replaced. I think I may have burned up new regulator while looking for the problem. Anyway, the second new regulator solved the problem. Thanks for your help, GMayhew
moparmadman440
01-19-2008, 02:48 AM
I had a similar problem on my 1984 Dodge Pickup where the alternator would just keep charging and charging the battery. The battery would swell up and hiss from the pressure, very interesting situation . . . do I unhook it, run, or what it out. I waited till it went down, from a far distance.
I done the same things as you did as far as changing voltage regulator, ballat resistor, etc. Upon taking it to a highly recommended alternator shop, we found that one of the insulators on the alternator was missing. The insulator, according to the repair man, is located around the base of the connectors that attach to the alternator. The wire was hooked to the alternator properly but was grounding on the alternator housing which caused the field to keep charging the battery. I don't know if this is the exact solution to your problem but it may be worth a look.
