Do you think I fried something?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
Do you think I fried something?
A couple weeks ago my battery died after a short trip. Jumped it off, got home and raised the hood to charge the battery where I found the positive battery cable melted to my headers. Rubber melted half way through, metal part of cable had some corrosion on it. I replaced the cable. Charged the battery for about 2 hours. Car started fine. Went for a quick spin. Now a week later, battery dead again. Do you think I fried my alternator?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
I think that you may not have charged the battery enough OR you have a ground some where. I doubt the alt is the problem as you didn't say anything about how the car ran when you were driving it. If it were the alternator you would possibly have problems providing voltage under load during operation. However you have a drain at rest. I would hook a volt meter up to the battery while at rest to determine if you have a ground some where. Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 32
From: Sarasota Florida
Hello
I think I would check alternator or voltage regulator..Also check the connections...Old car old electrical system...Also look into getting Optima battery..I never had a cranking problem since I bought my Optima battery!
Good luck
I think I would check alternator or voltage regulator..Also check the connections...Old car old electrical system...Also look into getting Optima battery..I never had a cranking problem since I bought my Optima battery!
Good luck
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
Get the car started and put a voltmeter across the battery terminals - if it reads 13.8 V or thereabouts alternator is OK...if its closer to 12 V then your alternator (or voltage regulator) is the probable cause. If voltage is up around 15 V (or higher) then prob regulator.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jul 28, 2008 at 07:42 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
I AM getting an OPTIMA battery today. Will check amps on everything tonight to make sure alt. and reg. are ok.
Does anyone know if they make a heat protection sleave for a battery cable? It would be cool to slide this over the battery cable to insure no melting. I did see where they make a battery cable that has a metal housing on it.
Does anyone know if they make a heat protection sleave for a battery cable? It would be cool to slide this over the battery cable to insure no melting. I did see where they make a battery cable that has a metal housing on it.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
UPDATE: The alternator reads 12 volts. I had it bench tested to be on the safe side. It got fried.
New Optima battery!
New Alternator!
New Voltage Regulator!
New battery cable -SECURELY TIED TO FIREWALL!!!!!!!
New Optima battery!
New Alternator!
New Voltage Regulator!
New battery cable -SECURELY TIED TO FIREWALL!!!!!!!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: cincinnati oh
redneck check for alternator
am i incorrect that a simple alternator test is to disconnect pos when engine is running? if alternator is ok, car will keep running, if not, car will drop dead.... used this one all the time when out on the road....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
The voltmeter across the battery terminals is much better:
With car running:
13.5V - 14.4V Alternator is OK
12V Alternator prob bad
15+V Regulator prob bad
When cranking car:
10V If battery voltage does NOT dive when cranking - its usually corroded battery terminals.
You can carry a cheapy voltmeter in the glove box for like $9...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jul 30, 2008 at 12:51 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Location, Location QC,NY
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jul 30, 2008 at 01:04 PM.