RE: IML: Alternator question

["Dick Benjamin" <dickb@xxxxxxxxx>]

The voltage you measured was at the alternator terminal, and 15 or even
higher voltage is normal there, if the alternator is putting out high
charging current.  The voltage right on the battery posts (not the cables,
the POSTS!) will be 14.4 plus or minus a bit, depending on the temperature,
the charging rate, and the battery condition.  When you shut the car off,
the voltage will drop to around 13 - 13.5, and slowly decay down to 12.8 or
so.  I doubt very much there is anything wrong with your alternator.

Dick Benjamin

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Rob P
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 9:58 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: IML: Alternator question

I just replaced the big alternator (117 amp) in my '83 with a smaller old 
style one.  Why I had to is a long story, but hopefully will have a happy 
ending.  The alternator I put on was from a car that has been sitting unused

for 20 years.  My plan was to fit the brackets and wiring and then rebuild 
it with a 105 amp kit.  The car no longer has efi or a/c, so it shouldn't be

a big deal.  How do you test the alternator?  DVM across the battery 
terminals it reads about 15.3-15.7 volts.  Is that good or too much? I tried

to read from the batt terminal and a ground, but couldn't get a reading 
(it's cold and dark).  I'd like to know if it's working or if I'm going to 
fry anything. What do I check?

Thanks,
Rob




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