Alternator Question
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From: Columbia, Missouri
Car: '87 Iroc-Z
Engine: 355cid Cam'd
Transmission: T5 Manual
Axle/Gears: Stock 9 Bolt
Alternator Question
I recently picked my car up from the shop after getting a new flexplate and starter put on. Before i took it there car was running just fine, now my volt guage doesnt show that my battery is charging above 8 volts. I took my Iroc up to the local auto parts store to get my alternator and battery checked and they said that my battery was fully charged and that my alternator was charging at 32 amps.When I hit the gas the meter goes way down to the orange. I tighted my alternator belt and checked all my grounds, WHAT could possibly be the problem? I went ahead and ordered another alternator because I have a warranty on it but check this out: this is the second alternator
(the ordered one will be the 3rd) that I have gotten from oriely's. The first locked up on me now I fear this one is failing me too! Is it normal for the volt meter to not show the regular 13-14 volts charge as normal or what? Could it just be that the internal regulator is sensing that the battery doesnt need that much charge and or what?
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Guyz
(the ordered one will be the 3rd) that I have gotten from oriely's. The first locked up on me now I fear this one is failing me too! Is it normal for the volt meter to not show the regular 13-14 volts charge as normal or what? Could it just be that the internal regulator is sensing that the battery doesnt need that much charge and or what?
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Guyz
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 687
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From: Tampa Bay, FL
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Alternator Question
Stock guages suck. So do aftermarket alternators. That being said, if the alt is only putting out a max of 32 amps thats a problem. An 87 TPI has IIRC a 105 amp alt. To check your voltage on the guage verses whats actually going out of the alt, get a multimeter and test it at the battery and alt while the car is running. That wont tell you the amperage, but it will tell you the drop you are getting at the gauge.
My IROC eats alternators like they were hot wings, one day I'll even figure out why.
My IROC eats alternators like they were hot wings, one day I'll even figure out why.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 725
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From: Vancouver, B.C.
Car: 87 GTA 120,000k, 90 CRX Si
Engine: 5.7 TPI, 1.6L 16 valve SOHC
Transmission: 700r4, 5spd std
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Alternator Question
go back to the shop u got it done at. when u replace a starter or alternator ur suposed to disconnect the battery(mechanic may have taken short cuts)...mabey something shorted out or he mixed some wires up...but i would say its worth it to take it back to the shop. also do u run subs or anything? when i had mine in it would always run quite low on the volt meter.
ps, if the alt is actually bad, sometimes when u fix things other stuff goes wrong. mabey its just a coincidence the alt went bad
ps, if the alt is actually bad, sometimes when u fix things other stuff goes wrong. mabey its just a coincidence the alt went bad
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