alternator/charging system quest
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: New York
alternator/charging system quest
Ok, so I'm almost ready to get my car back on the road but I keep getting the dreaded "service charging system" message. I checked the horn/fuses/spark plugs, I changed the battery to the red top optima and I've come to the conclusion it's the alternator. I'm ready to buy a new one I just need to know what amp should I get? I have a cam in the car but I also have a 25% underdrive crank pulley. I see there is ones that are 150 amp, 170 amp, 240 amp. Can anyone suggest which size amp output is good? Thank you and I hope everyone is well!
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Shay,
Before you spend money on an alternator, have you run a separate wire directly from the positive lead on the alternator to the positive lead on the battery?
There is a fusible link between the alternator and the starter that can fail and will set off that message. Running a wire like I described will bypass that link.
Best of success with your car. I hope you get back to the track soon!
Before you spend money on an alternator, have you run a separate wire directly from the positive lead on the alternator to the positive lead on the battery?
There is a fusible link between the alternator and the starter that can fail and will set off that message. Running a wire like I described will bypass that link.
Best of success with your car. I hope you get back to the track soon!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 61
From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
I found this from the C6 forum,I remember telling you this a long time ago,Jerry Muniz had the same problem "If your plugs are NGK like TR6, then the plugs can cause this on C6's. Change to ACDelco 41-104 or go to BR8ES plugs from NGK" "See if it has NGK plugs.
As weird as it sounds.. several people have had this problem when they installed NGK plugs and it went away when they switched back to AC Delco
It basically just means the voltage went below a certain value, not necessarily something major. Mine does it sometimes in hot weather when I have the AC blasting/radiators fans running hard when at idle. Once it gets 800 rpm's or above the voltage comes back up and it never does it then" I also read that the wires going to the starter solenoid could be loose or corroded,Loose battery terminals,Short in wire harness,Loose wire on alternator.Do you have Tommy M's # I would give him a call and let him look at it.
As weird as it sounds.. several people have had this problem when they installed NGK plugs and it went away when they switched back to AC Delco
It basically just means the voltage went below a certain value, not necessarily something major. Mine does it sometimes in hot weather when I have the AC blasting/radiators fans running hard when at idle. Once it gets 800 rpm's or above the voltage comes back up and it never does it then" I also read that the wires going to the starter solenoid could be loose or corroded,Loose battery terminals,Short in wire harness,Loose wire on alternator.Do you have Tommy M's # I would give him a call and let him look at it.
Last edited by DRIVER456; Sep 2, 2016 at 06:12 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,059
Likes: 366
From: Kendall Park NJ
Shay- This is the alternator that we are running on the new setup. The voltage is adjustable from 13.5to 18 volts.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-578028
Hope all is well.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-578028
Hope all is well.
Last edited by GARY2004Z06; Sep 4, 2016 at 02:44 PM. Reason: Typo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 61
From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
Shay- This is the alternator that we are running on the new setup. The voltage is adjustable from 1.35 to 18 volts.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-578028
Hope all is well.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-578028
Hope all is well.
