If anything it may be your voltage regulator. At around 800 rpms (alternator
RPM's that is) the alternator should "cut in" an the regulator should be
putting out between 14 and 14.4 volts.
Do you hear a chirping sound coming out of the alternator when you put it under
load? If so, one of your diodes may be experiencing either a high leakage or
high V forward. (For most diodes in alternators, Vfwd should be in the .8 -
1.2 V range) You can test the diodes with a voltmeter that has a diode testing
feature. (Provided you are willing to take apart your alternator)
I would start by trying a different regulator to see if it solves the problem.
Vintage regulators use relays to do the job, and sometimes the contacts get
corroded and sticky. I recommend using a replacement solid state type
regulator. You will get better performance out of it, and it will last (until
someone removes a battery terminal while the car is running, and then replaces
it - bad stuff. That's called a load dump, and it will create a surge in a
car's electrical system in the 100 - 120 V range.)
Good luck
Chris
--- On Wed 04/30, < Hicntry04@xxxxxxx > wrote:
From: [mailto: Hicntry04@xxxxxxx]
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 20:50:29 EDT
Subject: IML: alternator output
<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial"
LANG="0">I have a 64 Imperial Crown Coupe that the amp gauge shows a slight
discharge when idleing and when I turn the lights on it disharges alot. I think
the alternator is going bad. I checked the output and it is only about 13
volts at high idle. Anyone have any insight to this issue?<BR>
<BR>
Thanks <BR>
Rick</font></html>
<p>
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