Charging problems

[stangbang]

I recently acquired an 85 mustang LX. And just recently the altenator stopped charging my battery, it died like 40 miles from my house i had a 400 dollar tow bill =/ but anyways, ive since replaced the altenator, battery and voltage regulator, and im still having the same problem. All my connections are solid, and ive respliced the wires running from the harness to the altenator because they burnt out at the connection plug. im stumped at what to do and i refuse to take it to an electrical mechanic. Any suggestions?

[squeeeg]

The factory alternators aren't as powerful as they could be. I don't kow if you have any radio or amps running or if there is anything else going on but that is a possibility on why it isn't charging right. You say everything is hooked up correctly but it is worth a double and triple check to make sure everything is clean and tight.

[stangbang]

Hrm thanks for the response. i think i figured out a way to find whats drawing power. the positive battery terminal sparks a tad when i hook it up which means something is drawing when the car is off/running. so im going to take out each of my fuses one by one and tap the terminal with the cable and see if it sparks. if it doesnt spark then i found out whats drawing power :)

[squeeeg]

You can also use a power tester or whatever it is called. One of those things with the light inside the handle to tell you if there is power there. Just touch it to the two sides of the fuses and that will tell you also without pulling each fuse.

[mustangstalker]

dude, the wire sparks on the positive terminal because the hood is up and the light under your hood needs voltage and ampacity this is called power P=IxE. The reason you are having problems with your alternator is because it sucks. Stock alternators suck. Spend the money to get you a 160 to 200ampere alternator. Performance Distributers sells the best on the market. I would replace my factory alternator every 3 months that is no joke. Ever since I changed to the PD alternator I have not had problem with it. It has lasted for 7 years now. Also if you come to want underdrive pulleys check into MARCH performance power and amp pulleys. Let me know how this info helped you if at all. The test meter is called an ammeter.FLUKE has some of the best meters out there.