I just put in a new pioneer cd player. I have aftermarket speakers in the car. Now that I put in the new radio the voltage in the car has dropped down below 13v. Whats the deal? Is it bad wiring, and where should I check?

thanks,
Mike

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1989 RS.. Newly installed 350,bored out 30 over, Hypereutectic pistons, double roller cam, double roller timing chain, accel wires, blue streak cap and rotor, rapidfire plugs, chevy caprice 350 chip, 200* fan switch, 3 angle valve job.

 

Sounds more like your alt died. Most parts stores will check it for free to see if it is dead. A deck alone wont make your voltage drop below 13v.

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-Justin-
T-Top '86 5.0L LG4 700R4 WS6
T-Top '92 5.0L TBI 700R4
My '86 Firebird Homepage
The F-body Model Kit Pictoral Archive (updated 3/14/01)

There can be only one!!

 

this is like my 5th alternator.... whats the deal?

Thanks,
-Mike

 

If this is your fifth alternator that quit, you might have a line that is back feeding to your alternator, this will burn the diodes out.

 

What brand alternators are you using?

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The IROC Homepage
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"I didn't know a bored out Ford could go so slow" -Shenandoah

 

I was told by David Navone that this is a problem (without going into a lengthy explaination) with buying a rebuilt alternator. Spend the money and buy a brand new Delco (about twice the price), not a rebuilt one.

 

It couldn't be something in the wiring between the battery and the alternator could it? Should I switch the wiring to a heavier gauge or something?

Thanks,
Mike

 

got any fuses that keep popping ?

 

nope, not that I've seen

-Mike

 

Disconnect your stereo and then start the car. Make sure ALL accessories are turned off. You should get a good voltage reading on your dashboard, but verify it by measuring voltage accross the battery. If voltage checks out, then turn on all your accessories one by one and observe any voltage drops. You may have a short somewhere.

My stereo specs are in my sig and I've never had any charging problems except when I had to replace the original alternator after 8 years of use. The blower motor, radiator fan, and headlights draw the most current...so having all this on at the same time as my stereo is on definitely puts a stress on the alternator. Hope this info helps.

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92 Camaro RS LO3, 5-spd, T-tops
Performance:
SLP 1 3/4" Headers (Coated by Paul Barry Motorsports), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Fastchip Performance PROM, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Xact 8mm wires, Open Air Element w/K&N Filter, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
NEXT UP: TBI mods, Edelbrock performer intake

 

yeah, I think I'm going to start pulling fuses and see if that corrects any of the problems...

Thanks guys,
Mike

 

When I bought my car the alt was died a couple days later. I just took it apart and put in a rebuild kit. It was a joke to do. The worst part is getting the housing bolts out. If you do it use a propane torch and heat the casing where the bolts go in. It is a cinch.

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91 Z28 Camaro
305 TPI
Flowmaster 3" exhaust
700R4 with 2000 Stall and shift kit
One sweet sounding system