Alternator Voltage : 17+ Volts?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Ocala FL
You've got a stuck voltage regulator in the alternator. If it's the original piece for your car and you care about matching numbers, you can get it rebuilt. Or it's an inexpensive part at NAPA< Advance, etc..
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
i burned up a few MSD 6al because of the same problem, except my alt voltage regulator would only pull 17-18 volts under hard load and never at idle. made it very hard to diagnose. new alternator fixed it all. just buy a nice new alt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,829
Likes: 1,959
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Since I dont know what year the Vette is, There are two alternator regulator systems on Vettes from 68-82. Those with a external regulator and those with internal regulators. Which ever one you have the symptoms are the same. Increased voltage means the regulator is not working and the alternator is blasting full force. Continued excessive voltage will also damage the whole electrical and lighting system plus blow out all the bulbs. 72 and earlied is external, from 73 on, it`s internal
