Alternator going bad?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 590
Likes: 2
From: Fairfield CT
Alternator going bad?
The digital volt meter in the dash reading jumps around between 13.9 & 15.0, generally in the vicinity of 14.0 - 14.7 with no particular pattern. The analog gauge needle vibrates, also, and the digital gauge light flickers. I took it to a local shop who did a charging system check with a good check. Of course, it didn't act up then. Battery cables are tight. What's up - does it look like time for a new alternator.
Oh yeah,
I cracked the alternator housing slightly near the bracket bolt over tightening it a few weeks ago. '94 LT1, 6spd.
Oh yeah,
I cracked the alternator housing slightly near the bracket bolt over tightening it a few weeks ago. '94 LT1, 6spd.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
1. Yep, the voltage regulator is mounted inside the alternator.
2. Yep, the crack will lead to future problems and probably at night, 80 miles from the nearest town while it is raining cats and dogs on a 2 lane blacktop road that has 6 vehicles a day.
2. Yep, the crack will lead to future problems and probably at night, 80 miles from the nearest town while it is raining cats and dogs on a 2 lane blacktop road that has 6 vehicles a day.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 590
Likes: 2
From: Fairfield CT
Gee?
Originally Posted by jfb
1. Yep, the voltage regulator is mounted inside the alternator.
2. Yep, the crack will lead to future problems and probably at night, 80 miles from the nearest town while it is raining cats and dogs on a 2 lane blacktop road that has 6 vehicles a day.
2. Yep, the crack will lead to future problems and probably at night, 80 miles from the nearest town while it is raining cats and dogs on a 2 lane blacktop road that has 6 vehicles a day.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
You of course could have a bad alternator. But don't forget about the battery. Living in Florida now in a hot climate I have seen battery problems that are wild, weird and off the wall. When I lived up north (NY) batteries got weak, died and you replaced them. If I now get 2-3 years thats good. But I've seen batteries do things and had one situation I had where the volt meter swing wild. You couldn't beleive it. I had to act immedietly for fear of damaging all the electronics in the car as well as the alternator. I was in town near a Sears store in the parking lot and the only time I had anyone put a battery in because I had no tools and was dressed. I see you are in AZ and know it is hot there. 
This is just food for thought, one other option. Charge on.
Last edited by pcolt94; May 3, 2006 at 12:12 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Originally Posted by jfb
1. Yep, the voltage regulator is mounted inside the alternator.
2. Yep, the crack will lead to future problems and probably at night, 80 miles from the nearest town while it is raining cats and dogs on a 2 lane blacktop road that has 6 vehicles a day.
2. Yep, the crack will lead to future problems and probably at night, 80 miles from the nearest town while it is raining cats and dogs on a 2 lane blacktop road that has 6 vehicles a day.