voltage regulator / grounding

[goat_72]

I have been inspecting my trucks electrics as a result of troubleshooting instrument panel gauges, fuel tank sending units etc. I noticed out of the electrical components my voltage regulator seems to be original or at least resembling that of a 45-year-old car. I have two questions.

1. On the voltage regulator, there seems to be a black cable / red stripe that acts as a ground for something. my research & inspection tells me it is for the alternator. The cable is in very poor shape, see pic. If I use a multimeter with red on positive battery terminal and black on the alternator / regulator grounding or exposed cable I get a 12v reading as one would expect. however, on the terminal, the voltage is a bit irregular suspect due to the integrity of the wire. if I put it on the exposed wire it is a solid 12 v.

a. Is my assumption correct with respect to it being an alternator grounding (solid black w/ red stripe)?
b. What sort of problems or effect would I have with the cable that is not integral?

2. whoever worked on the truck used insulation tape every to re-harness the cables. Any products such as cable trunking people have had success with in restoring electrics. I am good with cat 5 / data center cabling, perhaps a bit OCD, this crows nest is driving me crazy.

IMG_3391.jpg

[sargentrs]

You can use this diagram for a reference. http://www.fordification.com/tech/wirin ... _quick.jpg Yes, that is a ground. If not properly grounded, the voltage regulator and alternator will not function correctly. The voltage regulator requires a good ground connection through its housing to the radiator support. Make sure the mating surfaces are clean all bolts/screws are tight so that the VR does not "wiggle". I like to use bolts, lock nuts and star washers on all contact points. For my electrical connections and splices I prefer to use uninsulated connectors, solder and heat shrink tubing.

[goat_72]

I replaced the grounding cable or section of it that was in very poor shape. I now get a solid 14 volts to the battery when the engine is running.

I struggled to find a replacement OEM like alternator wiring harness for 72 f100, it wasn't clear if a wiring harness was solid with said new alternator. (Where it is not too cost prohibitive, I am systematically trying to replace vs. repair.)

[sargentrs]

I believe this might work on our trucks too. http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/Mustan ... ustang.axd

And Summit says this one fits almost every model between 1965-1980. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb- ... plications

[gritlight]

I just burned up the grounding wire as pointed to. Mine goes directly to the alternator and connects with that black ruber thing. Any ideas on replacing that wire set?

[71Fe2O3]

Dennis Carpenter has an alternator wiring set:
http://dennis-carpenter.com/alternator- ... z-14305-a/
and also a voltage regulator wire set and plug:
http://dennis-carpenter.com/voltage-reg ... -10316-rp/