Alternator/Battery Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch CO
Alternator/Battery Question
Noticed on my car that it doesn't seem to be charging properly at idle (lights a little dim, etc). The motor was just rebuilt a couple hundred miles and I'm guessing that the belts have just loosened a little. Any other theories or am I on the right track?
By the way, the car isn't a C3 (actually a 70 Challenger) but this forum is always the best to get feedback on mechanical issues.
Thanks!
By the way, the car isn't a C3 (actually a 70 Challenger) but this forum is always the best to get feedback on mechanical issues.
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Originally Posted by bronze68
Noticed on my car that it doesn't seem to be charging properly at idle (lights a little dim, etc). The motor was just rebuilt a couple hundred miles and I'm guessing that the belts have just loosened a little. Any other theories or am I on the right track?
By the way, the car isn't a C3 (actually a 70 Challenger) but this forum is always the best to get feedback on mechanical issues.
Thanks!
By the way, the car isn't a C3 (actually a 70 Challenger) but this forum is always the best to get feedback on mechanical issues.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch CO
Originally Posted by marshrat99
I'd first check to make sure all of the electrical connects are clean and tight. Check the ones at the altenator and the battery.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch CO
Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
There is an article about that on Madelectrical site
"At low RPM, expect that early models of alternators often produced much less available output than more modern designs. And with many models of old alternators, electrical output at engine idle speed was not sufficient to support electrical demands."
"Drivers of old cars were accustomed to the lights dimming at idle, or the turn signals blinking slower–it was simply the result of low voltage when the alternator did not keep up. The older cars could get by with less than perfect performance."
Maybe its normal after all. Didn't notice it much on my other cars but this is my first Mopar. Although both my GM cars have more modern service replacement alternators while the Challenger is period correct.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
I don't know if you just lookes or cleaned the connections, but clean looking ones can really be oxidized enough to prevent low amp charging.
If tightening your belts doesn't cure it, then your regulator isn't kicking in properly.
If tightening your belts doesn't cure it, then your regulator isn't kicking in properly.
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