Well - I thought my charging problem was resolved. I made a couple short drives with good voltage and the alternator charging fine. We set out yesterday afternoon for our monthly cruise in about 15 miles away. About 2/3 rds of the way there I looked down and saw about 11 volts and noticed the amp gage was discharging again. I shut off the air (wife not thrilled now) and continue on since I'm most of the way there. We end up overstaying because of the huge crowd and I ended up driving home in the twilight and dark with someone tailing me. I made it OK running about 11 volts and constant discharge and lights burning - but not too brightly. My tail said my taillights seemed to stay about the same all the way.
I checked the battery voltage at home and got 12.6 volts and went to bed. Worked on it this morning. Cleaned all the bulkhead connectors and greased them with dielectric grease. Also cleaned the horn relay contacts for good measure. Started the engine and it's showing about 12.4-5 volts at the battery with no load - doesn't change when I increase engine speed. I pulled the wire off of the alternator field terminal and grounded it to frame - still about 12.4 volts. Then I tested the voltage between the hot lead on the alternator and the battery - still about 12.4 volts.
Actually - the highest voltage I get is with the engine off and checking the battery - usually about 12.6 volts. I guess the poor old battery is good.
If I have half an understanding of what this testing means, it looks like the alternator has decided to put out 12.4-5 volts and that's it - enough to run the car and charge the battery until I start loading it with lights and accessories. I need a new alternator is my guess????
Thanks
Dan
I checked the battery voltage at home and got 12.6 volts and went to bed. Worked on it this morning. Cleaned all the bulkhead connectors and greased them with dielectric grease. Also cleaned the horn relay contacts for good measure. Started the engine and it's showing about 12.4-5 volts at the battery with no load - doesn't change when I increase engine speed. I pulled the wire off of the alternator field terminal and grounded it to frame - still about 12.4 volts. Then I tested the voltage between the hot lead on the alternator and the battery - still about 12.4 volts.
Actually - the highest voltage I get is with the engine off and checking the battery - usually about 12.6 volts. I guess the poor old battery is good.
If I have half an understanding of what this testing means, it looks like the alternator has decided to put out 12.4-5 volts and that's it - enough to run the car and charge the battery until I start loading it with lights and accessories. I need a new alternator is my guess????
Thanks
Dan