Alternator Over Charging Again
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 27
From: Port St. Lucie Florida
Alternator Over Charging Again
1980 ,, Believe its my 3rd alternator in 3 years ,, install new motor started it up , gauge shows below 13 volts , after about 10 min starts to charge and heads to almost 18Volts,, Blew the module in the distriuter last year doing 5000 rpm alt failed over charge .. got any Ideas....
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
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From: Taylor Michigan
The alternator is charging but the regulator is dead. Problem is that the regulator is built into the alternator. Unless your really know alternators and how to take it apart to replace the regulator you`ll just have to get another.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
They have regulator kits but it's probably easier to just get a new one. Most car parts places will test your alternator for free...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
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From: Moon Township PA
Gary
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From: Taylor Michigan
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The 'GEN' light should not come on with overchanging only if it`s not charging. Thats why a volt meter will tell you the charging systems characteristics better than a light. From 13.6-14.4 are the minimums and max voltage a correctly working alternator will produce. Just remember the engine has to be running to analize,.....oh hell we all know that!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
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Cheers
-Andre
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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Really? I know that is true of many old english cars but I didn't think our vettes were wired that way. My generator light has never worked but has always charged just fine. At least it seems to and always has plenty of power for lights, accesories etc anf the voltmeter responds how it should. I'm pretty sure my generator bulb is simply burned out.
Cheers
-Andre
Cheers
-Andre
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 273
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That is really interesting, I would never have guessed that. Does anyone know in what way the charging system will react differently with the bulb functional? Just seems to work well now the way it is so I'm curious how much of an improvement there woud be.