Too many volts
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Plainfield IL
Too many volts
my 1985 has started running at a little above 18 volts from time to time, the rest of the time it is around 14.6, but can jump to 15-16 volts. i assume this may have to do with the voltage regulator but read it was integrated with the alternator so both must be replaced. is this true? What other parts might contribute to running too many volts?
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Thanks
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Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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Re: Too many volts (corvette8585)
I'm thinking the parts at fault are the alternator, the alternator, and possibly the alternator.
The voltage regulator has probably crapped out, without that the alternator can put out as much as it wants, which isn't a good thing. BTW you might call around and see if it can be repaired. I know there is a place in town that can rebuild that sort of thing and it would be a lot cheaper than a new one.
[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 2:31 PM 10/2/2003]
The voltage regulator has probably crapped out, without that the alternator can put out as much as it wants, which isn't a good thing. BTW you might call around and see if it can be repaired. I know there is a place in town that can rebuild that sort of thing and it would be a lot cheaper than a new one.
[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 2:31 PM 10/2/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Vancouver,Wa.
Re: Too many volts (Nathan Plemons)
I'm thinking the parts at fault are the alternator, the alternator, and possibly the alternator.
The voltage regulator has probably crapped out, without that the alternator can put out as much as it wants, which isn't a good thing. BTW you might call around and see if it can be repaired. I know there is a place in town that can rebuild that sort of thing and it would be a lot cheaper than a new one.
[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 2:31 PM 10/2/2003]
The voltage regulator has probably crapped out, without that the alternator can put out as much as it wants, which isn't a good thing. BTW you might call around and see if it can be repaired. I know there is a place in town that can rebuild that sort of thing and it would be a lot cheaper than a new one.
[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 2:31 PM 10/2/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,931
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From: Norcross GA
Re: Too many volts (fiddleplayer)
Open it up and replace the electronic module. Fairly straight forward.
If you rebuild it, you get to keep the numbers on the ALT. i.e. Numbers match. (If that is important to you.)
If you rebuild it, you get to keep the numbers on the ALT. i.e. Numbers match. (If that is important to you.)
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
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From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Too many volts (ZylaRace)
The battery 'should' keep the voltage from going that high.
You'd have to pump out more current than your alternator can produce to get the voltage THAT high (18 volts) across the battery.
Look for a loose connection between the alternator output and the main battery buss line. (the connections BACK to the battery)
Sounds like your battery is becoming disconnected from the 'main power buss' and the alternator is going out of regulation temporarily due to no load.
An intermittent cell connection INSIDE the battery could also cause this.
Just MHO. I don't really know ANYTHING about alternators, charging systems or electrical voltage/current. But I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
If you are convinced it's the alternator:
As mentioned above, the internal regulator module inside your alternator IS replaceable for about 20 bux. You will just have to take the alternator apart (an easy task) to replace it.
Might as well replace the diode trio, brushes and bearings while you're in there. That'll give you a complete 'rebuilt' alternator. All the parts are available to do this.
You'd have to pump out more current than your alternator can produce to get the voltage THAT high (18 volts) across the battery.
Look for a loose connection between the alternator output and the main battery buss line. (the connections BACK to the battery)
Sounds like your battery is becoming disconnected from the 'main power buss' and the alternator is going out of regulation temporarily due to no load.
An intermittent cell connection INSIDE the battery could also cause this.
Just MHO. I don't really know ANYTHING about alternators, charging systems or electrical voltage/current. But I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
If you are convinced it's the alternator:
As mentioned above, the internal regulator module inside your alternator IS replaceable for about 20 bux. You will just have to take the alternator apart (an easy task) to replace it.
Might as well replace the diode trio, brushes and bearings while you're in there. That'll give you a complete 'rebuilt' alternator. All the parts are available to do this.
