I am still having a problem with my charging system

M

mcrackin

Registered
This is driving me nutz and it is a short trip. The problem is that at idle I have about 12.5-13.0 volts. When I am at 2000 rpm I am at 13.9volts.

I have just replaced the alternator 1 month ago with a 160amp 100 at idle alternator. Replaced the Positive lead with a 4 guage wire and both terminals 3 weeks ago. I had a bad idler and tensioner pulley that was replaced last night. I also replaced the battery with a new one last night as well. It was under warranty so I figured I might as well. But at idle I am still only getting 12.5 volts or so. Any ideas where to look at next?
 
RE: I am still having a problem with my charging system

Actually, you do not test the alternator at idle. Testing your charging system quickly with a digital voltmeter (assuming charged battery):

1. Test battery voltage with engine off. Check at battery terminals at clean terminal or clamp, not the bolt or nut. Record voltage. This is your battery's standing voltage.

2. Start engine & run at 1500 RPM. With no other load (doors closed? Underhood light off? Auto headlights off?) - record voltage. Voltage should be higher but not by more than 2 volts. This is your charging voltage without load.

3. Turn on heater or AC to MAX along with turning on highbeam headlamps. Increase RPMs to 2000 RPM. Voltage should be a minimum of 0.5 volts above your standing battery voltage. This is your charging voltage with load.

Changing the battery terminals to quality aftermarket replacements was a good move.
http://mark8.org/users/driller/pics/bling2.jpg

Run a heavy guage wire direct from the battery positive terminal to the output terminal of the alternator. Sometimes the OEM wire from the alternator through the power distribution box corrodes and hinders alternator performance.

Check your grounding points under the hood.
Negative battery terminal.
G100 - Drivers side of engine(block)(big wire from battery)
G101 - Drivers side upper front corner of engine compartment(medium wire from battery)
G103 - Drivers side lower front corner of engine compartment(small wire from harness)(mirror image of G103)
G104 - Passenger side lower front corner of engine compartment(small wire from harness)(mirror image of G102)

Make sure each is clean, tight and most important - free of corrosion.
 
RE: I am still having a problem with my charging system

It's been a long winter.;)
 
RE: I am still having a problem with my charging system

Driller

Are the power and ground wires coming from your battery the stock gauge.. just covered with blue mesh and wire loom. Or did you put a larger gauge wire on? I want to put new terminals on and was wondering if those stingers take the stock gauge the mark's come with. Of course if I get a bigger altenator this question is moot because I would have to go 4awg or bigger. Depending on how much my stereo will draw.
 
RE: I am still having a problem with my charging system

Stock... just covered with blue mesh sleeving and wire loom. The Stinger's terminals like I have will accept quite a bit bigger gauge than stock - I think 4 gauge or maybe 1 - 0 gauge.
 
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