Alternator Going?
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 3
From: Fishers IN
Alternator Going?
Hey gang,
I recently acquired a 78 and I am still getting used to the idiosyncrasies of an older car, so please forgive the dumb question. Unfortunately the days are getting shorter here in Indiana and I need to use the lights more and more. The good news is they still come on and pop-up.
However, I do notice a significant drop in voltage at idle (600 RPM) with the lights on (it drops below 13V). I also notice this when I roll up the windows at idle (getting colder in Indiana also). At idle w/o the lights or windows activated the voltmeter registers ~14V. No issues with lights or windows when the car is running at normal speed either. Is this drop just "normal" with a older Vette? Or is it time to replace the alternator?
Kurt
P.S. If I do need to replace the alternator it looks pretty straight forward (a couple of bolts and wires and tension is applied simply by adjusting the position of the alternator). Am I missing something here? Any pitfalls to watch out for?
I recently acquired a 78 and I am still getting used to the idiosyncrasies of an older car, so please forgive the dumb question. Unfortunately the days are getting shorter here in Indiana and I need to use the lights more and more. The good news is they still come on and pop-up.
However, I do notice a significant drop in voltage at idle (600 RPM) with the lights on (it drops below 13V). I also notice this when I roll up the windows at idle (getting colder in Indiana also). At idle w/o the lights or windows activated the voltmeter registers ~14V. No issues with lights or windows when the car is running at normal speed either. Is this drop just "normal" with a older Vette? Or is it time to replace the alternator?
Kurt
P.S. If I do need to replace the alternator it looks pretty straight forward (a couple of bolts and wires and tension is applied simply by adjusting the position of the alternator). Am I missing something here? Any pitfalls to watch out for?
....Check your belts....:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Your alternator is probably fine. 600 is a pretty low idle and the alternator (even a new one) will have a hard time keeping up a heavy load at that speed. Up off idle if it works your good to go.
You might be able to improve the headlight brightness by installing a relay kit, it takes the load for the headlights off of the switch and the wireing harness.
You might be able to improve the headlight brightness by installing a relay kit, it takes the load for the headlights off of the switch and the wireing harness.
