Need help with electrical problem

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Jul 15, 2009 | 11:22 PM

jrmartin81

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 16

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Need help with electrical problem

My altenator on my 81 is charging like 37 volts and the battery light is on and it is not getting the charge to the battery.What the heck is wrong?Almost burned some of my wires up.

Jul 16, 2009 | 01:59 AM

GunPowder

Racer

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 334

Likes: 17

sounds like your regulator is toast.
There are some methods to identify a toasted regulator (refer to a workshop manual). I am not familiar with the later alternators but the earlier regulators can be replaced/repaired without buying a new alternator.

Jul 16, 2009 | 07:14 AM

jrmartin81

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

Well that has already been tried.we changed out the alt. twice still 37
volts.is it possible that the hot wire going from the alt. to the bat. is grounded some were?

Jul 16, 2009 | 08:04 AM

...Roger...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

Likes: 53

From: Dayton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrmartin81

Well that has already been tried.we changed out the alt. twice still 37
volts.is it possible that the hot wire going from the alt. to the bat. is grounded some were?

37 volts that's a lot

Jul 16, 2009 | 08:26 AM

GunPowder

Racer

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 334

Likes: 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrmartin81

Well that has already been tried.we changed out the alt. twice still 37
volts.is it possible that the hot wire going from the alt. to the bat. is grounded some were?

interesting

A short on your main hot wire should melt your cable or spark somewhere.

Did you check the alternator/regulator outside the car (not connected to anything) - just to exclude a problem with your harness.

Jul 16, 2009 | 09:30 AM

wombvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 8,918

Likes: 27

From: New Hill NC

I doubt 37 volts is possible with a car alternator. I think you should check your meter. Full output on most alternators wouldnt be more than 16-18 volts.

Jul 16, 2009 | 11:22 AM

RonR80

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 2,622

Likes: 242

From: Russell Ontario

St. Jude Donor '09

Agree maybe 37 amps , but not volts . unless you are ready yourmeter on the wrong scale! Ron

Jul 16, 2009 | 11:28 AM

KB9GKC

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 923

Likes: 37

From: Green Bay Wisconsin

Quote:

Originally Posted by wombvette

I doubt 37 volts is possible with a car alternator. I think you should check your meter. Full output on most alternators wouldnt be more than 16-18 volts.

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Jul 16, 2009 | 12:23 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

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From: Crossville TN

It sounds to me like the wiring to the alternator is not hooked up correctly. Some replacement alternators require reversing a couple of the wires going to it. Verify that you have followed the installation instructions...assume nothing.