I need your help. I have a 86 IROC z/28 camaro that is giving me fits with a charging problem.When I start the engine the alternator puts out 16 volts.35 to 40 minutes later after the engine gets hot the alternator drops to 8 volts or less and will not run the TPI.Replaced the alternator three times to make sure that wasn't the problem.Anyone have any ideals as to what the problem could be?

 

Are you verifying this by the gauge or a voltmemter ?
Is there power to the harness plug on the alt ?
What condition are the battery cables in ? the battery ?
Has the alt. wiring been hacked previously ?
Are all your fuses good ?

I don't even have so much bad luck as to get 3 bad alternators. I would guess there is a problem elsewhere.

 

Deadbird I checked it at the battery with a battery tester that checks the charging system. Get the same results as the gauge says.Found no blown fuses.Don't know the history of the car,but it doesn't look like the wiring has been hacked.Battery is new too.

 

The only thing I can think of is power isn't getting to the regulator on the alt (the harness plug on it) or, the cable from the rear of the alt to the battery is broken internally.

Is the battery still holding a 12.3-8 charge after the car dies (ie.: able to restart and run the engine w/o having to use an external charger on the batt. to charge before restarting)?