Hi Norm,
regarding the alternator and its connections let me assure you that it does make 13.8 volts of dc power without the need of an exciter circuit.

I have drawn up the circuit arrangement and included what I believe to be the current flow directions or lack of over 2 scenarios.

Scenario 1( sketch 2)would cover running the unit after it has been sitting for a while with tne battery voltage below 13.8 volts.

Scenario 2 ( sketch 1 )would cover the unit been running for a while and the battery voltage caught up with 13.8 volts.

I can not see how changing the connections would alter the operation.
Maybe your son is a better leckie than myself or I am ready for retirement.....lol

anyhow here are the circuits
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

cheers


Last edited by Gambler; 11/05/16 06:50 AM.