'86 SR20 Swap Alternator Charging Problem

[dustins12]

So, I have a 1986 S12 (produced in March of 86, in case that makes a difference in wiring) with a SR20DE swap, using a Wiring Specialties harness and I'm having trouble getting the alternator putting out a charge. As you know, in Nissans you have to have the White/Red wire connected to the charge light in order for the alternator to produce a charge, blah blah blah. And that's how Wiring Specialties asks to have it done as well.

Anyways, after looking in my FSM to see how the stock alternator is hooked up, I locate the diode in the engine bay behind the passenger headlight area, hook up the wire to it, and it should be said and done. It's a very simple system, right? FUCKING WRONG! No charge whatsoever. I thought maybe the alternator was bad. Got it tested two separate times, and it's putting out 14.5v and seems like it's not gonna faulter anytime soon.

So, my question is, do you guys have any thoughts? Could the diode be bad? Should I be wiring it up directly to the charge light instead? Or am I missing something very simple???

[Sanchez36]

Is your battery brand new? Chase the wires from alternator and make sure they're connected where they should be. Another thing you can also do is make sure the ground wire to the alternator is also connected and has a solid connection to the chassis of the car. Hopefully the wires are not carrying an overload from the alternator and shorting out your electrical system. Touch the harness to make sure the wires don't feel Hot.