When I turn on the ignition both fans turn on. Also the voltmeter in the car stays at 18 volts even after i start it. Could this be a faulty Fan senser? I say that because the senser on the right head seems to be damaged, its also somewhat wet. Could it be that the volts are high because the connection is wet and that the fans go on because the senser is damaged?

 

maybe the sensor damamge causes the fans to go on early, but the voltage problem would be connected w/ your alternator. you should have the output checked by a separate gauge, maybe an auto prts store can do it for you (dont count on thei though, but when the problem is questionable I always go outside and check the output on someone's car before selling them the alternator) if you cant find someone who will put a tester on it for 2 seconds then find a mulitmeter and check the voltage at the battery while the car is running, it should be about 13-14 volts. if it's too much you'll start frying things, you would need to change the voltage regulator (i'd just change the whole alternator personally). as for the sensor, I would change that since it is damamged, and since you say it is wet, water is probably leaking past it (it screws into a water passage to take the temp readings) so before you change it you'll want to lower the water level to about halfway down the radiator, maybe a little more (you can tell by shining a flashlight down the radiator cap while it's draining)

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350, Comp 262, Edelbrock Performer intake 600 cfm carb and exhaust, headers
-JVC, Eclipse, Pioneer, MTX, Phoenix Gold, Planet Audio

 

Last fall before storage i got the alternator tested, tested good. So then i drove it to car shop, still reading 18 volts. Parked the car, walked in for about a minute or two and a technician went outside and starded it up, then drove it into one of the bays. He got out, opened the hood and tested the alternator at the battery and it was just fine, reading 14 volts. So we both looked at the guage inside the car and it was also reading 14 volts. So all he could tell me was that it was just fine and if it volts went up again it probly was the alternator. So after standing there for a minute waiting for it to rise in voltage, nothing happend. So i got in my car and drove it away. For the first five miles it looked like it fixed itself. But as i kept driving the volts started creeping up and finally resting at 18 volts. What would make the volts fluctuate like this?

The problem im having is, when the guage was reading 14 volts all the horse power and torque were present. But as soon as the guage reads 18 volts, it just overpowers the system, resulting in major hp loss. Maybe that symptom will help diagnose the problem?

I've been through the car and nothing is out of place, that i can see.

Im looking for some serious help with this one so don't hold back. If anyone can lend a hand it would be greatly appreciated.


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1989 Chevrolet Camaro Iroc-Z28
5.0 Liter H.O TPI 5-Speed G92 Performance Package

 

Alternator output should not have anything to do with hp from the engine. I would:

1. disconnect the fan wiring at the fans, drive the car and check voltage. if meter does not read correct, disconnect plug at alternator, see if voltage reads slightly below middle, turn on headlights, see if drops, (checking guage)

reconnect alternator, fire up, check voltage, turn on lights, see if guage goes down then back up. if goes to 18, go back to store, have output checked when guage says 18, if is 18 then replace VR or alternator.

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1957 3/4 rat
1966 c10 panel
1968 c20 350, 350
1982 camaro 305, THM-200-R4
1984 Monte Carlo, 350, th-350
Everett, WA