Need ford 360 help!

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I sure like reading through HW posts like this. Everyone trying to help and I am learning along the way! Good job everyone!

[Maverick]

I will charge the battery fully and try again I want to thank everyone for helping me on this. anything electric on a vehicle isn't my strong suit.

[Maverick]

So for an update.... This truck hasn't been touched since May. I got way to busy with work and getting my house done. Then hunting season hit... So now that deer season is done for us id really like to get back on this and get it going! Back when we put the motor in I remember we got a wire wrong on the alternator and a little smoke came out for the alternator. I've out 3 alternators on back in May and still won't charge. I don't have any kind of meter to check the wires. I think it could be one of he fuse able links. It would make sense. How does someone change those links?

[Heredoggydoggy]

We can jump start the truck and It'll run for 5-10 minutes and then die.

Sounds more like a fuel issue--what kind of fuel pump was on the 390 vs. the 360?  On the engine?  Electric pump in the tank?  Clogged filter(s)? 

[DRobnsn]

So for an update.... This truck hasn't been touched since May. I got way to busy with work and getting my house done. Then hunting season hit... So now that deer season is done for us id really like to get back on this and get it going! Back when we put the motor in I remember we got a wire wrong on the alternator and a little smoke came out for the alternator. I've out 3 alternators on back in May and still won't charge. I don't have any kind of meter to check the wires. I think it could be one of he fuse able links. It would make sense. How does someone change those links?

Ditch the Ford alternator and put on a GM 1 wire, problem solved. Make sure you have good clean grounds running everywhere. I did this to my 76 Ford when I pulled the 360 and put in the 428. 

[Buckmark]

So for an update.... This truck hasn't been touched since May. I got way to busy with work and getting my house done. Then hunting season hit... So now that deer season is done for us id really like to get back on this and get it going! Back when we put the motor in I remember we got a wire wrong on the alternator and a little smoke came out for the alternator. I've out 3 alternators on back in May and still won't charge. I don't have any kind of meter to check the wires. I think it could be one of he fuse able links. It would make sense. How does someone change those links?

This would of been usefull information in your very first post..
You very well may of smoked something else, you need to check links etc, get a cheap multi meter.......

[Hunterman]

So for an update.... This truck hasn't been touched since May. I got way to busy with work and getting my house done. Then hunting season hit... So now that deer season is done for us id really like to get back on this and get it going! Back when we put the motor in I remember we got a wire wrong on the alternator and a little smoke came out for the alternator. I've out 3 alternators on back in May and still won't charge. I don't have any kind of meter to check the wires. I think it could be one of he fuse able links. It would make sense. How does someone change those links?

Maverick:

You may have smoked the "Voltage Regulator"  seen it done before with charging problems. Also believe this or not the negative battery cable could be your problem. The cable itself could be bad. As far as those fuse able links go, take them out if you think they are bad, put regular fuse links in.

Remember that there are only 3 items to the charging system on your 360/390. the Alternator, Voltage Regulator, and the Battery. Check all three, and you should be running.

Hunterman(Tony)

[Heredoggydoggy]

Fusible Links are replaced by soldering a new one into the wire.  Not as simple as swapping a fuse.  Never had one blow, so I've never replaced one.  A dead short or wire hooked up wrong might do it, though.

[Maverick]

It has a new battery, new alternator, new battery cables, new volt regulator, new volt regulator plug, and starter solenoid. How does one solder one in? Could I just cut them out and put in normal fuses in the line? How big a fuses should be used if I could do that?

[DRobnsn]

You can buy new pre connected fuse able links. Oreilly's sells them in wire gauge sizes. It would be really nice to know if it is actually the fuse able link though. Do you have anything laying around that is 12volt powered like an old tailight socket or something you could tap into the bad side of the link to see if it is in fact bad? Even a car stereo would work.

Another option would be to put in a temporary jumper wire between the fuse able links attachments. Its a little risky though depending on how that link got fried if it is indeed fried. 

[DRobnsn]

Also disconnecting the negative while the engine is running to test the charging system is a VERY BAD idea. In your era of truck it may be okay but its still not a good idea. The battery tends to act like a voltage regulator of sorts and when the negative is pulled the charging system can spike the voltage and ruin components.   

[Heredoggydoggy]

Things are not supposed to smoke in a vehicle system.  Reminds me of an interview I saw with an old Lionel Train expert a while back.  He told about the time he and his dad went to the store to buy a 1946 Lionel train set--the first ones made.  They took it home, set it up, and ran it.  It was great!  It even smoked!  When it quit and they took it back to the store, they found out that it wasn't supposed to smoke... The 1947 model did!   

[DRobnsn]

Things are not supposed to smoke in a vehicle system.  Reminds me of an interview I saw with an old Lionel Train expert a while back.  He told about the time he and his dad went to the store to buy a 1946 Lionel train set--the first ones made.  They took it home, set it up, and ran it.  It was great!  It even smoked!  When it quit and they took it back to the store, they found out that it wasn't supposed to smoke... The 1947 model did! 

Yep, when something around work fries we say "well, I guess it let the smoke out!"   

[Maverick]

i know its been awhile but i finally got this dang truck fixed! the new voltage regulator i put on it was garbage. put a new on her and she runs like a champ, besides the exhaust leak. A big thanks to everyone for the help they gave me on this. next  will be replacing the hub seals, fixing the exhaust, maybe trying to fit some 35s under it and just enjoying driving it.

[Heredoggydoggy]

Glad it was a simple fix--(it usually is!).  For something that vintage, pick up a Chilton's Manual.  A lot of the old systems are explained in it.  The one fault I've found with these manuals is it says to remove _____ something, but it doesn't say how to remove ____ something, (without breaking it!).  I've found LMC Truck's catalogs very informative for my love of old Ford Rangers and Bronco II's.  And it always amazes me how much is still available at the parts houses for these old beasts!