Voltage problems
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Voltage problems
Voltage at the alternator and at the battery was 15 volts as measured with a multimeter. My battery took a crap soon after, so I picked up a new one. With voltage levels the same I replaced the regulator in alternator. Then voltage dropped to 11.8 at both, again using a multimeter. I got fed up and just picked up a new alternator. Now it gets weird. Voltage at the alternator is 15.6v and at the battery is 13.8v.
A functioning bulb is in place at the battery warning light.
I added a large gauge ground from the alternator to the frame a couple months back. I would also like to replace the ground for the battery next. No matter how well I clean the battery terminals, they corrode. Even with the little corrosion washers in place.
Anybody got any ideas what is going on?
A functioning bulb is in place at the battery warning light.
I added a large gauge ground from the alternator to the frame a couple months back. I would also like to replace the ground for the battery next. No matter how well I clean the battery terminals, they corrode. Even with the little corrosion washers in place.
Anybody got any ideas what is going on?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
That alternator voltage of 15.6V is still too high and it will cook your battery.
I have had bad alternators right in a row and I would consider exchanging it one more time.
There is a spray you can buy in the same section as the washers. It gets sprayed on the terminals and wire ends and soak the washers. It's a corrosion inhibitor.
I was told the biggest contributor to corrosion was when the starter motor was engaged. The higher flow of power, even for a few seconds, over time, will cause the white mess.
I then learned that usually a starter that's having a hard time will pull more amperage on startup which causes the corrosion faster. Maybe your starter is on it's way out.
I have had bad alternators right in a row and I would consider exchanging it one more time.
There is a spray you can buy in the same section as the washers. It gets sprayed on the terminals and wire ends and soak the washers. It's a corrosion inhibitor.
I was told the biggest contributor to corrosion was when the starter motor was engaged. The higher flow of power, even for a few seconds, over time, will cause the white mess.
I then learned that usually a starter that's having a hard time will pull more amperage on startup which causes the corrosion faster. Maybe your starter is on it's way out.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
I just called the parts store and had them get another one. Curse that damn rear defrost. Every store in town has the alternator for the non-defrost cars in stock. Mine has to come from Salina KS, again.
How long is the cable for the battery ground? 18"?
How long is the cable for the battery ground? 18"?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,458
Likes: 1,484
From: Little Rock AR
You can smear a coat of vaseline over the exposed part of top terminal batteries and that will prevent any corrosion but I have never tried this on a side terminal setup. Might be worth a try.
-Mark.
-Mark.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
It's the original boat anchor style. It works fine, that's not to say it isn't pulling a heavy load from being old. I suppose I could get a new solenoid for it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
Oxygen is a key ingredient in corrosion, not current. Eliminate the oxygen and the corrosion will stop no matter what the current provided that the carriers are sufficient to cary the current without cooking. The produst to use is called No-Ox. Just about any heavy grease will work including vaseline. I like to make my own battery cables and I use this stuff all the time. When you strip the insulation on a new wire, immediately dip the end in the no-ox and then crimp on the terminal useing the correct crimper and the thing will last forever. You can get No-Ox at most any electrical supply, Maybe HD or Lowes.
