Thanks Lee,
That was the answer that I was looking for.
I was looking for a place today to test my alternator but none has the old
hook up.
The are all computerized and looking for part numbers and car models.
Thanks, I suspected that the one-way diode is burned but the charging 14.5 V 
confused me.
It is a Hitachi alternator with internal regulator, it has also an "E" 
terminal which I think is ground for protection. I haven't traced the wire 
yet.

Yanni Marinated
S/V Princess Thalia
Hamilton-Fifty Point @H3
www.yannismarine.ca
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lee Haefele" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 8:17 PM
Subject: Re: [Liveaboard] alternator field connection


> The purpose of that connection is to turn the alt field off when switching
> batteries.  If the alternator is disconnected from the batteries while on,
> its voltage will rise to a point that destroys the internal diodes. 
> Turning
> off the field turns off the alternator.  I assume that this is 2 
> terminals,
> if so, one goes to the ignition switch, the other to the alternator.  When
> the ignition switch is off, this would have no power.
> Trying the battery at the solenoid might still leave quite a lot 
> connected,
> usually at least the engine gauges, controls, electric fuel pump get their
> power from there, via the ign switch, or via a relay triggered by the
> switch.
> Lee Haefele
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Letsgosailing" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 7:40 PM
> Subject: [Liveaboard] alternator field connection
>
>
>> Hey all
>> Could someone more knowledgeable clarify the "field connection on the
>> alternator and the battery switch andwhat exactly it does effect.
>> I believe I am loosing current and one of the batteries drain back. It's
>> fairly new and I can't understand why the voltage drops. I did the old
>> test
>> interrupting the positive terminal with a light hooked up and it lights 
>> it
>> comes on, that means there is a leak. All the circuits are ok. I tried 
>> the
>> battery directly hooked up on the starter solenoid.
>> Any Ideas?
>> Yanni Marinated
>> S/V Princess Thalia
>> Hamilton-Fifty Point @H3
>> www.yannismarine.ca
>>
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>> 6:01 AM
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>
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