I have just discovered a rather noticeable short circuit. At the battery terminal it registers 130 Ma current draw with the ignition off. I traced it back and found that there was a 80 Ma current draw at the output wire of the alternator. This means that the alternator is shorting right? The resistance across the alternator output and its casing should read no load right? it reads an inaccurate 40 ohms right now.

I guess my next step is to take apart the alternator and see if it needs replacing or if it can be repaired. I also plan on remaking the section of the wiring harness inside the engine bay. Any tips? wire gauge, where to find connectors, etc. Also should I ditch the ammeter and go with a volt meter, or does it matter?

oh yeah, its a 75 plymouth valiant

So if you remove the output wire of the alternator your current draw drops from 130mA to 50mA? It does sound like leaky diodes in the alternator. You can buy rectifiers for these alternators. Standard Motor Products D7 for the P side and D8 for the N side.

I would not characterize this as a noticeable short though. Noticeable shorts usually involve smoke and very hot conductors or blown fuses or fusible links. You have a minor current draw.

Where is the other load coming from?

All you other questions have been asked and answered at length on the board. Have a crack at the search function and if you come up empty or confused then just ask for clarification.

_________________
Joshua