82 alternator over charging

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Sep 7, 2006 | 09:22 AM

33Chevy

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 412

Likes: 1

From: Champlain New York

82 alternator over charging

Just completed a long move to upstate NY (many trips). Had my 82 Vette in my barn and on a battery maintainer charger since last year. Took it out this week and now it's over charging. Before I replace the alternator, is there anything inherent with the Vettes that I should check first? With the battery fully charged the system puts out almost 15volts running.

thanks

Ed

Sep 7, 2006 | 09:28 AM

Jim Martley2

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 2,521

Likes: 4

From: Windham, NH

The NORMAL charging range of an alternator is 13.5 to 14.2 volts. With the stock guage it may LOOK like it is 15 + volts. Put a voltmeter on the battery terminals and check it there. My 82 ALWAYS reads close to 15 volts going down the highway.

Sep 7, 2006 | 09:34 AM

SIXFOOTER

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 9,192

Likes: 27

From: Boca Raton Florida

Check at the battery and at the alternator, if its 15 at either place you have a problem. Might be simple as the connector on the side of the alternator is loose, Or reg could be bad.

Sep 7, 2006 | 09:34 AM

Bob Onit

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 3,342

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From: Connecticut

I would follow Jims advice
If you believe it's still overcharging then I would secure/clean all connections

Theres not much to a GM alternator
The main failure is the diode trio which can be bought for under $3

Sep 7, 2006 | 05:04 PM

Boofers

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,665

Likes: 1

From: Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Martley2

Put a voltmeter on the battery terminals and check it there.

and check it at the alternator as well just for fun.

Even if your alternator is running at 15V its not going to hurt anything.

Sep 7, 2006 | 05:08 PM

GaryS

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 1999

Posts: 2,897

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From: Moon Township PA

Along with the good advice you have been given, DO NOT REPLACE your alternator if you ever find the need to. Have it rebuilt. A local alternator/starter shop rebuilt a neigbor's 73 alternator in an hour while we stood there. He got a newly rebuilt alternator that was original. On top of that the guy put in a new stator (?) flux capacitor or whatever that bumped his amps up about 50% so he could run aftermarket radio and CD player.

Sep 7, 2006 | 05:13 PM

Xakk

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 936

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From: Tulsa OK

I don't usually worry until I see the gauge pegging out at 18. Then I KNOW there's a problem

Sep 7, 2006 | 08:34 PM

33Chevy

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 412

Likes: 1

From: Champlain New York

Thanks for the help...I could smell the battery...that's when I looked at the gauge..then hooked up my digital volt meter. We have a local shop that is user friendly and rebuilds as you watch.