how can i test my alternator?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: GA
how can i test my alternator?/optispark distributor
i was backing my 94 in the drive and she shut down on me and when i tried to restart it ran for a sec or two then died. i believe its my alt because the electrical drops. any ideas?
let me edit some, I changed all my radiator hoses drove the car around the block everything was fine then i washed the excess fluid off my engie. then i then tried to start and it gave spudder and started. On the drive home the ASR light came on. I get home, shut down, then restart evertything is fine.
I drive around then block everything seems normal. I back in the driveway
and it shuts down. I tried to restart it spudder but ran just for a sec or two.
Now it turns but it does not seem to be firing. thanks for any info.
[Modified by droptopvette420, 3:32 AM 12/9/2003]
[Modified by droptopvette420, 3:34 AM 12/9/2003]
let me edit some, I changed all my radiator hoses drove the car around the block everything was fine then i washed the excess fluid off my engie. then i then tried to start and it gave spudder and started. On the drive home the ASR light came on. I get home, shut down, then restart evertything is fine.
I drive around then block everything seems normal. I back in the driveway
and it shuts down. I tried to restart it spudder but ran just for a sec or two.
Now it turns but it does not seem to be firing. thanks for any info.
[Modified by droptopvette420, 3:32 AM 12/9/2003]
[Modified by droptopvette420, 3:34 AM 12/9/2003]
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: triangle NC
Re: how can i test my alternator? (droptopvette420)
Easy way, check voltage at battery w/ engine off. Check voltage at battery w/ engine running. If the voltage goes up the alternator is doing something. If it died and you were able to crank it right away I doubt it was a charging problem. Your battery would have been so dead that you would not be able to start it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Re: how can i test my alternator? (87Z-ya)
I agree with the previous post, but here are some more "details". The battery voltage should be about 12.5 volts BEFORE your try and start the car. If it is less than this, either the battery is undercharged or is in the process of going bad. DO NOT TRY AND CHARGE THE BATTERY WITH THE ALTERNATOR...THIS WILL KILL IT! Assuming you have a good battery (12.5 volts), check the voltage after you start the car. The voltage should go up about 1 volt if the alternator is good. This is a quick test but very reliable! Good luck :)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 868
Likes: 5
Re: how can i test my alternator? (Sam Lam)
Take it off and have a auto parts store check it out ...also get them to check the battery...Advance Auto,Auto Zone do this for free..make sure you get ahold of someone that knows what they're doing and not someone thats gonna load it up so hard it shows bad just to sell you something.
Jason
Jason
