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Old Aug 30, 2001 | 10:30 PM
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Default overcharging battery

I recently rebuilt my motor and tranny 1980 L-48 auto. It came out great,runs great. Just put over 1,000 miles on it. Here is my problem,the alternator went so i replaced it with a rebuilt. Then the battery went. I put the new battery in and it was overcharging. I brought the battery back and got a new one,still the same thing. I checked the voltage and it was 16.5 volts. I brought back the alternator and got a new one and it reads 15 volts. Do I have a short or something? Can anyone help and give me ideas on what to look for or what to do,Help
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Old Aug 30, 2001 | 10:36 PM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (bcool21)

I have had rebuilt alternators that were bad, returned for another and got another bad one. Have them check the alternator but sounds to me just like a run of rebuilt junk- my bias.
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Old Aug 31, 2001 | 01:45 AM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (R. Bruno)

I agree. If you have an alternetor man in your area, have him check it out.
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Old Aug 31, 2001 | 08:12 AM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (bcool21)

An alternator at normal engine rpm should be putting out around 14.6 volts, if my memory serves me right. Your alternator must put out more volts than the battery to allow the alternator to power the electrical system.

Did you use a digital or analog voltmeter to test your alternator? Use a digital to ensure that you are getting proper voltage.
Gary
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Old Aug 31, 2001 | 11:14 AM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (bcool21)

The alternator is not regulated correctly! At normal operating, the voltage should be between 13.8 - 14.3 Volts.

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Old Aug 31, 2001 | 12:07 PM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (Ki m Le)

Doesn't the regulator decide how much juice to send to the battery?
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Old Aug 31, 2001 | 12:33 PM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (Koz)

Doesn't the regulator decide how much juice to send to the battery?
Yes, but the regulator is internal to the alternator on the 1980. You can either rebuild the alternator your self with a kit from http://www.alternatorparts.com/gm_al...grade_kits.htm (really good guys -- I trust them and they sell good products at a good price), or you can replace the entire unit again.

Before installing the next unit, have them test the new alternator on their test stand to see what volts it is putting out there.

Good luck.
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Old Aug 31, 2001 | 07:07 PM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (GaryS)

i got another alt. today. This one reads 14.8 volts on a digital meter. Is that alright or should I get another one?
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Old Aug 31, 2001 | 07:41 PM
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Default Re: overcharging battery (bcool21)

i got another alt. today. This one reads 14.8 volts on a digital meter. Is that alright or should I get another one?
That is still a bit high. Do you have an internal voltage regulator or external? If external replace the voltage regulator.

It is possible your meter isn't correct. Do you have another?


[Modified by 63Banshee, 5:43 PM 8/31/2001]
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