VN V6 not charging

[stocky]

My VN doesnt seem to be charging. Its broken down on me twice because it seemed to run on battery power with nothing coming from the alternator. I changed voltage regulators on the alternator and nothing changed. Any idea why? It only seemed to charge once yesterday. I ran the engine for a few minutes and it was charging at 14V, but after driving, it wasn't charging. Im guessing something is loose?

Also, where is the earth strap on a V6?

[wortus]

Is the battery itself OK? Maybe charge it up with a battery charger and then get it load tested. Otherwise you may have some faulty diodes in your alternator or as you say a loose wire. Does the charge light come on at all?
There are several earths on the engine block I can't remember off hand where the main one is that handles the starter motor's current.

[zskinner]

I'd be starting with some new battery terminals and I would clean up the earth that connects to the body of the car right next to the battery itself, thats just me though.......

[stocky]

It looks like the connection on the back of the alternator is a bit corroded. It snapped as I was trying to undo it, so hopefully if i replace that connection it will fix the problem.

[wortus]

It looks like the connection on the back of the alternator is a bit corroded. It snapped as I was trying to undo it, so hopefully if i replace that connection it will fix the problem.

Bad joints create heat so check that it has not melted the plastic in the alternator where it comes out the back of it.
If the wire needs replacing you can cut it back and recrimp a new bit in with a new lug. You should use proper crimp lugs and a compression crimping tool to get a good and long lasting joint. Pliers or cheap crimpers are no good for this connection given the potential load. I'd then cover the crimp joint with some heat shrink that has a sealant/glue in it to keep moisture out.
If the battery terminals are not heavily corroded they should be ok, don't get those ones that you bolt or clamp onto the cable. If they are a bit corroded some boiling water poured onto them will be enough to clean it off and when you reconnect them to the battery don't over tighten them and cover them in vasolene it will stop them corroding again.