And it begins... charging system "74" CJ5

[csuengr]

Wire as shown in the provided schematics and you won't have any troubles.

 

[johnbilt]

I recently updated my wiring and added a powermaster alternator to my 73CJ. It sounds like you have some major strange issues with your wiring.

1) Your ignition switch should control the power wire going to the ignition coil. You do not need a diode for this. If you have the stock ignition coil, there will be a resistor or resistor wire in series to reduce the voltage. A newer replacment coil and ignition will run properly at full voltage.

2) The original alternator and external voltage regulator should run about 14 volts. If you are getting 15 volts, you may be missing the voltage regulator wire that senses the alternator output.

If you are not confident with electrical stuff, I would suggest you find a friend who is and get some help sorting this out. Then you can learn a bit as you go along. You need to resolve this if you want your Jeep to be reliable. Also you may have a fire hazard if this wiring gets more out of hand. Good Luck

 

[uncoolperson]

sorted out. charges, stops, makes sparks when I do something stupid with the wires... thanks everyone.

cable off the bat terminal on the alternator that went up under the dash was spliced into the switched power wire that fed everything (including the coil), keeping power in the switched power circuit when things should have been dead.
Probably should have checked for something like that earlier, if I was smarter.

whatever, good day to finally have this solved... sunny and 75 out.