Electronics Need help wiring something up? Thinking of adding an electrical component to your car? Need help troubleshooting that wiring glitch?

Engine losing power

Old Nov 22, 2005 | 06:17 PM
  #1  
rjpbboi's Avatar
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 87 Trans Am, 89 RX7
Engine: 350tpi,350carb
Transmission: T-5,t56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi,4.11 posi
Engine losing power

My battery gauge is very low when I am driving my car, I just replaced my battery a few months ago, my dad did it cuz I didnt have any money and I think he got some cheap thing, and it worked ok for a while, but now the battery gauge is really low and the lights are flickering and everything, and I just wonder if any of you guys know what it is. Thanks.
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Old Nov 22, 2005 | 07:18 PM
  #2  
firebirdjosh's Avatar
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From: Worcester, MA
Car: 86 T/A
Engine: HSR 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 posi
Loose connections on the battery or your alternator is dying.
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Old Nov 22, 2005 | 08:19 PM
  #3  
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 87 Trans Am, 89 RX7
Engine: 350tpi,350carb
Transmission: T-5,t56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi,4.11 posi
yeah I figured it was the alternator when it happened, i'll check the battery connections but I'll plan on getting a voltmeter check for the alternator, thanks.
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 03:51 PM
  #4  
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 87 Trans Am, 89 RX7
Engine: 350tpi,350carb
Transmission: T-5,t56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi,4.11 posi
ok now the battery is starting out pretty good (a little above the halfway point/ 14) but as I left it idling for about 15 minutes (just finished watering off degreaser and did it to dry) I noticed the battery gauge slowly going down and I turned it off at the bottom of the gauge (round 7-8)
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 04:38 PM
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From: Worcester, MA
Car: 86 T/A
Engine: HSR 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 posi
It may be your alternator then. You can take it off in 3 minutes and have it bench tested at Autozone.
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 04:47 PM
  #6  
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From: Yellowknife, NWT, Canada
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: 357
Transmission: TH-350C
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Im going to also say the alt.

Even with a stone dead battery the alt will supply enough power to light everything up.

Check the wiring on the alt for breaks/cracks.
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 06:16 PM
  #7  
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From: conway, s.c.
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
In addition to checking the items listed, I would also check the tension on the serpentine belt. If it isn't tight it won't spin the alternator fast enough to sufficiently charge the battery. I would also check the cables and connectors for a build up of corrosion which will also kill a battery.
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