GeorgeTelford wrote:I have to disagree about the "most practical can be achieved" practical is a relative word adding a smart regulator or B2Battery charger is easily achieved, with much better results.
What I said was "I'm talking about charging as practical as can be achieved with an automotive system. " meaning we're dealing with what was dealt to us. When I talk about the proper way to add a diode isolator, the intent is not to redesign the entire electrical system of the car but to work with what we have. Leaving out the second as changes the meaning of what I meant.
GeorgeTelford wrote:...if this wire breaks, the alternator goes into balls out mode and destroys itself (and occasionally some of the vehicle electrics !) so do be extremelycareful about anything you do with this wire.
Just for kicks I went out and disconnected that wire on my 54 Chevy and the output went up about 1.5 volts. I read some documentation on the regulators and found thar there is some internal sensing to prevent runaway in that event. I would be more concerened with someone adding wiring and not properly protecting it and causing a short and melting or burning everything. I've had to repair many home wiring jobs that caught on fire but haven't had one yet that destroyed itself from alternator runaway.