Thanks Smiley, that thread was a long read, I learned a lot. Sadly, I was not able to replicate your results with pulling a wee bit on the brake handle. Glad to see it worked out for you in the end though.

Another question: Whats the difference between the 3 wire and 4 wire alternators? Besides one wire <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I am wondering if I can get a alternator + 3-plug harness from the salvage yard and kill 2 birds with one stone. I have a feeling the 4th wire is the one they use to improve fuel economy to switch the alternator on/off. I'm hoping I can cap/terminate that control wire and just keep the alt charging all the time, screw the EPA

I can get a pigtail from the salvage yard along with a 3-pin alternator from a 95 rodeo for ~15 bucks. It may be worth a shot.

P.S. I'm an EE for what thats worth, I just need to know the pinouts of the two different kinds of alts.