charging problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 154
charging problem
When I start my vette up the amp gauge only goes a tad to charge,if I step on brakes it goes slightly to negative side,(brake lights).Once I start driving it after a half mile or so it goes well into the charge area and comes back gradualy and works fine the rest of the day.alts been rebuilt,not the diodes though,grounds are good.Internal reg.Any suggestions? Thanks in advance
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Its probably the Diode trio, one may have opened up so its not carrying current. Does the Gen Light come on? Does the battery die after a couple days?
The clue is that it works good with RPMs up and operating temp up.
Replace the Diodes and you should be ok
The clue is that it works good with RPMs up and operating temp up.
Replace the Diodes and you should be ok
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 154
Thanks for the responses,with every thing else being o.k. I'll try sixfooter's first. battery never goes dead even when sitting for a couple weeks,but diode replacement should prove interesting
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Thanks for the confidence. If the battery is not draining whe sitting that means the diodes/regulator is not shorted internally so thats good.
When you crack open the case you can test them one at a time, use a battery operated test light so you have a load, instead of just an ohm meter, its a batter test. It sounds like the diode may be open when cool and connecting up when warm, so look closely at the contacts on them. Good Luck
When you crack open the case you can test them one at a time, use a battery operated test light so you have a load, instead of just an ohm meter, its a batter test. It sounds like the diode may be open when cool and connecting up when warm, so look closely at the contacts on them. Good Luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
For the price of a new alt, which isn't much, I'd go that route....if nothing changes, you can always take it back...to swap the diodes, you'll probably end up paying close to what a rebuilt alt would cost, why waste your valuable time....unless you want the experience...just my 2 cents...good luck
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