Batman 357

The car is a 1969 L-46, small block, 4sp with no AC. With the headlights on the amp gauge reads about 1/4th discharged. Barely made it home one night as it died in the driveway. Gauge seems accurate, stays near the middle when driving during the day and charges a little when first started. I had the alternator bench tested. It was about 40 amps. I think the spec is 42. The battery seems good. I would like to drive the car at night and early mornings. Thinking about replacing the alternator with a higher amp version. Any other ideas...

LB66383

Unless you've got some huge aftermarket amplifiers driving your stereo system, the alternator you have should be more than adequate to charge the battery even with the headlights on. You say they tested the alternator amperage output, but did they test the voltage output? Put a voltmeter across the battery. With the engine running, it should read at least 14 volts with the engine running just above idle. If it isn't, there is a problem with the alternator or voltage regulator.

Batman 357

There is an aftermarket amp mounted in the back of the car. I'll take that out and see if it helps. Thanks...

Redvette2

Most aftermarket amplifiers are class D design and don't draw any high power if the music is not being played. Also there should be a fuse in line with the positive power connection or one on the amp itself that you can remove to see if it has any effect.

Redvette2

Jebbysan

Change out the Voltage Regulator......or check the connections to it for rust.

Jebby

geewez

Thanks for all the replies-puts me at ease. No trip to the dealer.