Alright here are the symptoms so far.

Just got the car back two days ago from having the oil pan replaced, damn city *******, and now I've got a host of new problems. This is on a 92 RS TBI 5 speed bone stock.

First, voltage is right at 13 according to gauge when at cold idle, not convinced that gauge is accurate though, and never gets above about 8-10 while driving. Now, when i first start the car in the morning every thing is fine while idling in parking spot. Start driving and voltage is extremely low. Turn signals wont flash, radio hardly plays, windows hardly work, along with other electric accesories performing poorly. I've also noticed that when i press the brake the voltage will drop a little, also sometimes happens when clutch depressed. Now, the car seems to run and perform alright, just starved for electric power. Actually, performance has suffered since this problem came up. Sputters some above 3500rpm. Turning on headlights or turn signals and stuff also causes the gauge to drop some. Also having a problem keeping the car cool.

So i thought to myself maybe the belt is slipping. Took it to firestone last night and they said belt was fine and i went ahead and had them do an electric check. Battery, charging, cranking were all within specs, but this was with the car just idling in the bay. They also identified that a new radiator was in order as well as a flush and refill of coolant. I agree with that assesment, but the coolant never touched 200 before i had the oil pan replaced. Cost me a damn 2 bills 50 to get that replaced. A/C compressor is also locked up but i think that is a seperate problem in itself, i think??

Well this is getting extremely long so I'll just say what I have done to try and fix the problem. Replaced all fuses, all rear bulbs, checked connections at alt, battery. Multimeter reads 12.6 across battery. Oh, actually the negative ground wire was all messed up, but i wrapped it up with some electrical tape for a temporary fix, and i will replace it properly tomorrow. Clutch feels weak too, and its harder to put in gear in 1st and 2nd. Again, car was in almost perfect condition last week.

So, alternator? battery? What do you think??? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I don't think it's the alternator or the battery. That ground wire that was messed up could be the problem so look that over to make sure you have a solid connection before you go any further.

To replace the oil pan they would have had to remove the starter, keep in mind that (at least on my '86) all the electrical loads of the car pull their power through fusible links that attach at the positive post of the starter. Perhaps the guys at the shop have left this connection in poor shape.

But first check that ground wire out, you need a good, solid connection between the battery (-) terminal, the engine block and the chassis of the car. I would bet that is where the problem is.

The problem getting into 1st & 2nd gear could be from clutch linkage 'adjustments' due to the oil pan work, but that's another story.

 

I agree that a check of all the wiring around the starter would be a start, grounds especially. If in fact it is going to 13 volts is interesting. use a decent handheld voltmeter and check across the battery terminals with it running, then have someone rev it up. Alt output should swing up to 14.5-15 volts especially if the battery is low. 13 volts is low for charging. As always start with a fully charged battery before diagnosing the charging system.

 

I agree check the ground part, i had a problem whit that on a previous car , sometimes its hell to find it but..

 

well it hasnt caused anymore problems so far, but i did need a new clutch and now i need a new radiator and hoses and coolant flush. Just blew the lower hose yesterday and got arrested in the same day. ****ing bull**** plano cops.

Oh well, car is still a beast, just costs alot to get started

thanks yall

peace

 

Well, the cars been sitting for the last three months since i've been in jail two months and now rehab for another 25 days. I'll be out soon and can get back to working on this car.

I'll check out all the conections, and the battery is new, so i'll post an update when i run into a problem.

Thanks for all your input and help.

 

Ratnose, I have the exact same problem as you do and I have absolutely no ideas left. What's your current situation with it? Did you fix it?