Weird charging system problem

[roccnroll at hotmail.com (Drew Teague)]

I recently finished getting a working engine in my 84, and it runs, but the 
alternator doesn't charge the battery.  If the car is running, it powers 
itself off the alternator, but the battery doesn't charge.  I know it's not 
running off the battery, because a couple of times I drove it 2 hours home 
from Dan Bubb's place, and never lost power the whole way home like it would 
if the fuelpump, coil, etc. were running off the battery.  The battery life 
is dependent on how many times I start the car with it.  After checking the 
Bentley diagrams, I can't see how this could occur, because the alternator 
goes to the battery before going to anything else (as far as I can tell.  
I'm still not a whiz at those diagrams)  I know the battery is good, because 
I tried two known working batteries, and the problem stays.  Right now I'm 
charging the batteries with a plug-in charger until I figure this out.

BTW, it's an early 84 with the single rubber alternator plug (rabbit style) 
instead of the stud-terminal.
Does anyone know where to get the wiring harness for this type of 
alternator?  I'm almost to the point of tearing it all out and replacing it 
all.  :P

Thank you so much in advance for any insight.

**Drew Teague**
Harrisburg, PA

'84 8v Rocco --  "Bruise"
'85 BMW 318i

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