Charging system

[I'm tryin]

I've been trying to solve this problem for weeks now.
I had to replace just about my whole starting system, due in part to wear and tear, but mostly because of bad technique. Nevertheless, my current problem is that my new alternator isn't charging my battery. The alternator tests good and the battery is fully charged. But there is no power reaching the battery from the alternator. How do I find out where the problem is??? Is there a systematic way to determine if the problem is in the wiring? Everything else checks out good!

[Hollowcreek]

I had the same problem on my '97. There are at least two fusible links between the alterantor and the battery. In my experience, I don't think the alternators ever went bad, something was blowing the links and twice (once at PEP Boys and once at Sears) I was told that the alternator was bad. The day after the alternator was replaced the second time, my van shut down again. I had it towed to a Ford dealer who replaced the links with heavier ones, after which I never had another problem.

[I'm tryin]

Originally Posted by Hollowcreek

I had the same problem on my '97. There are at least two fusible links between the alterantor and the battery. In my experience, I don't think the alternators ever went bad, something was blowing the links and twice (once at PEP Boys and once at Sears) I was told that the alternator was bad. The day after the alternator was replaced the second time, my van shut down again. I had it towed to a Ford dealer who replaced the links with heavier ones, after which I never had another problem.

Did the Dealer tell you where the two links were?

[Hollowcreek]

No, but if they are burned out, they should not be too difficult to trace.

[I'm tryin]

Thanks Hollow, I think the other link is on the wire that connects to the alternator. It would make sense to be there, and I think I saw one there. I'll let you know, I'm goinng to check it out now!

[I'm tryin]

Hey Hollow, It's back to basics! Technique will resolve most complications. MY problem was that I didn't make sure that the fusible link to the solenoid had a good connection. All my difficulties stemmed from that.
I replaced some corroded wire and securred allthe connections and "voilla" everything started working just fine. Thanks for your input. I never would have thought to retrace my steps if you hadn't mentioned a second link.