Charging Problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 2
Charging Problem
Ok, car didn't run when I bought.. I installed a new motor, new battery, new regulator and new alternator but I'm still not charging.. Output at the alternator says 12.8v, which is the same as the battery voltage. I have taken my alternator back twice and the first time they said it checked out fine and the 2nd time they replaced it anyways but it didn't change anything.. If I drive the car I can watch the battery voltage getting lower over time. The only accessory I'm running are a few digital gauges, electric fan and 12v source to my HEI dizzy.. Battery does not drain while the car is sitting.. Actually I don't think there is a drain problem at all, I would say its a charging problem... Where should I start checking? What wire actually does the charging? I have a 68 and I believe the wiring is pretty much factory (looks like someone did change some wires out at one time and used different colors though).. There are a few resistors near the regulator, could one of these be the problem? Below is a picture.. All I have a is a cheap digital volt meter and test light.
Thanks for any help!!!
Thanks for any help!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 2
I have checked all fuses I have been able to find.. Actually the only fuses I can find are in the fuse block and one right next to the regulator but all those are all fine....
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Caledon Ont
a fusable link or inline fuse is just that it actually part of the wiring, it will sometimes look like a cylinder in the wire check at the starter and work your way back, they wouldn't be far when you see it you'll know what I mean, alot of time they get cut out when doing starter changes or repaires and splice them together, check for that too a repair can break or corode
Last edited by falconview; Aug 9, 2009 at 02:56 PM. Reason: typing error
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 49
From: Pgh. Pa.
call me and I will walk you thru some tests to find the problem. You have enough equipment on hand to do it (test lite and meter). We should know if it is a charging problem in 10 min or less. Mark 412 563 2100
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Most likely it's the regulator or a ground. The regulator needs to 'see' system voltage to know when to switch the alternator on and off (over simplified and probably inaccurate terminilogy for the watch dogs here).
At present it seems the regulator is seeing nothing or not reacting.. In your photo some of the grounds look suspect. Maybe start there.
At present it seems the regulator is seeing nothing or not reacting.. In your photo some of the grounds look suspect. Maybe start there.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 2
Most likely it's the regulator or a ground. The regulator needs to 'see' system voltage to know when to switch the alternator on and off (over simplified and probably inaccurate terminilogy for the watch dogs here).
At present it seems the regulator is seeing nothing or not reacting.. In your photo some of the grounds look suspect. Maybe start there.
At present it seems the regulator is seeing nothing or not reacting.. In your photo some of the grounds look suspect. Maybe start there.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Here are some diagrams.
http://www.nrjvette.com/johdotukset/?C=D;O=D
Seriously do yourself a big favor and get a DocRebuild diagram for your car. It will take you 10 seconds to figure out your wiring issue on your alternator AND if you choose to frame the 2 diagrams you will have "artwork" to hang on your wall.
http://www.nrjvette.com/johdotukset/?C=D;O=D
Seriously do yourself a big favor and get a DocRebuild diagram for your car. It will take you 10 seconds to figure out your wiring issue on your alternator AND if you choose to frame the 2 diagrams you will have "artwork" to hang on your wall.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Aug 10, 2009 at 02:49 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 2
Here are some diagrams.
http://www.nrjvette.com/johdotukset/?C=D;O=D
Seriously do yourself a big favor and get a DocRebuild diagram for your car. It will take you 10 seconds to figure out your wiring issue on your alternator AND if you choose to frame the 2 diagrams you will have "artwork" to hang on your wall.
http://www.nrjvette.com/johdotukset/?C=D;O=D
Seriously do yourself a big favor and get a DocRebuild diagram for your car. It will take you 10 seconds to figure out your wiring issue on your alternator AND if you choose to frame the 2 diagrams you will have "artwork" to hang on your wall.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Caledon Ont
After chasing wires I couldnt find any problems at all so I started it and tried something an now I think the alternator just doesnt have enough output to keep up with my Electic fans.. I started the car, unplugged the positive battery cable and it kept on running. I then turned on my digital gauges and it still ran but as soon as I hit one fan, it instantly died. My battery takes a long to drain while driving so I think the alternator is just not enough to keep up.. Now, where can I find a 100amp or higher alt with the plug in the back? All the ones I'm finding have a different plug style.