<VV> How a simple electrical problem can mess a trained brain

[D. Monasterio]

    Yesterday I went (with 2 partners) on a trip to Salamanca Gto. (350 miles rt), on my 67 Cpe. It was running and speeding real fine till we made an stop on the way back (80 miles from home at 6 PM). The starter didn't put enough force to start engine so, I checked for dirty connections at the battery, loose groundind, enough electrolite..... all good. Conclusion: Alternator was not charging and didn´t have spare parts in the trunk to fix it nor were auto parts stores open on the town we were so, got a new battery at a general store, just to have enough electricity to arrive home (saving as much light as possible). Arrived home safely.
    Today I dissmantled the alternator (internally regulated), without taking it out, (belt loosening only) and checked all parts: carbon contacts, diodes, regulator, etc. All was OK but, changed carbon contacts and regulator as I had new ones at hand. Assembled It and started engine. Checked charging with the VOM.... no charge. Dissconected the plug with the white and blue wires, for cleanliness, and then.... discovered the cause of the problem: the blue wire was broken at the terminal. Put a new terminal, connected to the alternator and.... still no charging. Put my 3 remaining neurones to work and found out that have forgotten to remove the small steel wire that holds the carbon contacts for assembling. Pulled it out and.... Voila !! Charging again.
    Felt really stupid. If I would payed more attention (yesterday) could discovered that broken blue wire, fixed it in minutes, saved US$ 67 and didn´t feel embarrased as I do.
    Most of the time common sense and observation is better than knowledge.

    Daniel Monasterio
    I'll see you at the Toss !!