Thermostat housing

[timber]

Well, I got everything back together. Radiator, fan, belt, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, alternator, ammeter (thanks Justin!), wiring, starter, battery and turn signal. I decided to just run the rubber fuel line up and over the top of the engine; it's just simpler that way. I was not exactly sure which fitting on the fuel pump was the inlet and outlet so I chose the one I thought and ran the fuel line over the fender and cranked until fuel came out. Fortunately I chose the correct side for inlet and outlet Then I connected the line to the carburetor and turned it over and it cranked right up. First time in it has run in 5 months. About a month ago I squirted a dab of oil in the cylinders to prevent excessive wear when cranked.

After it started it just purred like a kitten. Everything seems to work with no leaks I ended up using a 65 amp alternator from Auto Zone. I ran a heavy 4 gauge wire from the alternator to the battery and then ran a parallel 10 gauge wire from the alternator through the Justin's old ammeter to the battery. The ammeter seems to work with charging and current drain.

Next step is to put the seat back in and drive it around to see what else needs fixed

Thanks Esteban and River and all who provided guidance. Thanks Justin for the ammeter. While working in the hot Georgia sun, I came to the conclusion that I am not even a shade-tree mechanic. Here is a pic of the completed (does it ever end?) project.....

[RiverPatrol]

Congratulations! You took the challenge, that's a huge step.

[Esteban]

Excellent work. You should be proud of all that's been done. It is looking very nice and with your personal touch in the paint.

What alternator did you end up using?

[timber]

Excellent work. You should be proud of all that's been done. It is looking very nice and with your personal touch in the paint.

Thanks. More to do. I think the next is figuring a way to move the seats farther back. I was bored so I just started painting. Not a Clemson or Tennessee fan. The orange can was the nearest within reach on the shelf....

What alternator did you end up using?

I got it at auto zone. https://www.autozone.com/batteries-star ... 00:GEN:pdp

If the link does not work, it is a DL 7078 at Auto Zone. 65Amps.

Note how close the belt is to the mounting bolt. I think it will be OK. I will have to watch it though....

Thanks again for the help. This forum is very valuable. I've become very good at using the search function. Tom

[Esteban]

What alternator did you end up using?

I got it at auto zone. https://www.autozone.com/batteries-star ... 00:GEN:pdp

If the link does not work, it is a DL 7078 at Auto Zone. 65Amps.

Looks very good Tom. Good choice, and I guess you got a Ford voltage regulator as well?

I noticed on the Autozone page that there's a Technical Service Bulletin with very clear instructions for the regulator. Great choice. The Ford type voltage regulators are dirt cheap. I'm using one.

Regarding the bolt and possible belt interference, you'll be ok. If the bolt starts getting polished, time to adjust the belt.

[timber]

Looks very good Tom. Good choice, and I guess you got a Ford voltage regulator as well?

Thanks. Well, I am not sure. I just used the old one. It is a Bosch F042320283419. See the attached picture. I hooked it up IAW the tech bulletin (I think? It is only 4 wires) also attached. Do any patrols have a warning indicator light (lamp) for the alternator? I looked at the owners manual for a '78 (mine is a '76) and there is no indicator light. As I write this, I am second guessing myself if I wired it correctly......

Let me take a fresh look tomorrow and see if I did something not smart....

Regarding the bolt and possible belt interference, you'll be ok. If the bolt starts getting polished, time to adjust the belt.

I will also watch the belt for fraying....

[Esteban]

Looks very good Tom. Good choice, and I guess you got a Ford voltage regulator as well?

Thanks. Well, I am not sure. I just used the old one. It is a Bosch F042320283419. See the attached picture. I hooked it up IAW the tech bulletin (I think? It is only 4 wires) also attached. Do any patrols have a warning indicator light (lamp) for the alternator? I looked at the owners manual for a '78 (mine is a '76) and there is no indicator light. As I write this, I am second guessing myself if I wired it correctly......

Let me take a fresh look tomorrow and see if I did something not smart....

Tom, by the looks the voltage regulator you have is for a Ford. You'll be ok with it. You've already started the engine with it. One way to check if it is working ok is to connect a volt meter, and get readings. It should be giving you 14 to 14.5 volts with the engine running at a fast idle (maybe 1000 rpm) If when raising to around 2000 rpm the voltage goes past 15 volts, then you have a bad connection or a failed voltage regulator.

Please take a look at the following picture. I added the electrical diagram from the Technical Service Bulletin that you posted with a picture of a Ford type voltage regulator next to it, with marks for the terminals. Maybe you have marks under your voltage regulator that will match.

Ford Voltage Regulator.jpg

And lastly, the Patrols never had an indicator light, even to these days.

[timber]

Thanks. Where do I connect the voltmeter?

I’m guessing one lead of the voltmeter on the alternator’s bat terminal and the other lead in line with the heavy gauge battery wire that is disconnected from that alternator terminal (for this test)? Or from the alternator’s bat terminal to a ground……?

It may be self critiquing….

Tom

[Esteban]

The best place will be with the + lead of the voltmeter to the BAT terminal as you said. The other to a good ground. You can use the alternator body for it.

[timber]

The best place will be with the + lead of the voltmeter to the BAT terminal as you said. The other to a good ground. You can use the alternator body for it.

Thanks. My old voltmeter was entirely insufficient. My first step has been to get a good multi meter which I got yesterday. I will check it out.....

Tom