amp problem
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
Do you know how to remove an alternator and take it apart? Replace the voltage regulator inside the alternator. Not difficult. The voltage regulator is the unit that has the two terminals that stick up that the connector plug attaches to. You will need to suspend the brushes in a retracted position to assemble the alternator. I toothpick will work. After it is assembled remove the toothpick. Pay attention to the insulated screws that retain the voltage regulator. Over the years in maintaining my original owner 1970, I have replaced the voltage regulator a few times.
Last edited by 70ZZ3 96LT4; Jan 1, 2013 at 10:03 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
How much "overcharging" are you talking about? When the battery is fully charged, the alternator still puts out nearly 13 volts. You will never see an auto alternator putting out only 12 volts...unless the idle is so slow that it can't develop a charge.
If it overcharges to nearly 15 volts, the regulator [in the alternator] isn't functioning.
If it overcharges to nearly 15 volts, the regulator [in the alternator] isn't functioning.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
1st take a multi meter and test the true output of the alt. that way you know your not just throwing money away. start the car and test at the batt,or at any conveniant pos/neg place.If your charging over 14 volts your reg is prob bad. you can buy a new chrom alt 120 amp on e bay for about 70 bucks skip white. good luck. always test before you replace.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 38
From: Cedar,BC
1st take a multi meter and test the true output of the alt. that way you know your not just throwing money away. start the car and test at the batt,or at any conveniant pos/neg place.If your charging over 14 volts your reg is prob bad. you can buy a new chrom alt 120 amp on e bay for about 70 bucks skip white. good luck. always test before you replace.
Factory guages can be very inaccurate,check output with a known good meter before throwing money at it.You could have a bad alt,guage or wiring issue anywhere in between.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 2
From: Cumming GA
Andy
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Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
amp problem
Thanks everyone for the help having the altenator rebuilt . The Problem I'm having now is the passenger seat will not fold down it seems to be caught on the inside near the center consol . I want get it out to have it reupholsered . Thanks again
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Lot of misinformation out there, 14.5V is fine for alternator output measured at the battery with the engine running, should have put a voltmeter on the battery first before having things rebuilt or replaced.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
The range for a good alternator at about 1000 rpm's is 13.7 to 14.2 measured at the +12vdc terminal on the back of the alternator to ground on the alternator with a digital volt meter. At the battery expect .3-.5v drop due to line loss of the cables and connectors. Beyond 14.2 get a new one as you will cook the battery!