So I just recently bought new belts and a new alternator for my Camaro. The camaro has an 85 305 in it that's carbed, but it's an 89 Camaro. On some days the charge is about 13 volts, and it's more like 14 or 15 volts. But on most days I notice its below 13 volts at 12,11, sometimes even lower. Is there any reason why this is? I have tested it with a volt meter in both situations to make sure my gauge is accurate, and it is, but I have no idea why it's doing this.

 

 

Thank you for responding, I am still having this issue. The engine is warmed up when it reads 11 here is a picture of what it usually goes down too, sometimes goes lower, I know the gauges are accurate because I cleaned all the contacts and it was working fine last year. The battery has less of a charge after it runs at this level, so the next time I go to start the car it does affect the crank a little. Usually its supposed to be above 13, in the 14, 15 range. I will do the meter check once I get home, thank you.

 

I'm having sort of the same issue if you don't mind me posting here.

My car never has a problem starting. But, I've never had the car get above 12.6V when warmed up. I've heard bad grounds. But I;ve replaced all my starting/charging wires with 1/0 gauge. A 1-wire alternator and grounds at the engine, firewall and front crossmember to a junction. Side note: My driver headlamp keeps blowing the low beam filament, highs keep working. This is my third headlight. I've been messing with all my grounds and still nothing.

Is it possible I need to have a direct wire to the battery to the 1-wire alternator? I goes from the battery side post to a junction that splits to my starter and alternator. I have had absolutely zero problems with the starting/charging besides it always being at 12.6 after warm up. At about 1200RPM the car reaches about 13V+.

Am I missing a ground? Should I ground the wire to the front junction to the crossmember directly?

Do I need a direct power source to the alternator? Even though readings from the battery to the junction to the alternator terminal is all dead on with each other, so no loss from the junction forward.

Please point me in a direction.

Also, I noticed my temp gauge one day was off, like below 0*, then when I put the ignition to on (not starting) the gauge pinned itself up. I hear this might be a grounded power? Meaning I have a wire that gets power, but is ground somewhere? Or maybe it's getting power...but no ground? I have a few unknown live wires (ends fried or cut from previous owner).

Let me know where I can start. If you need pictures of my setup, getting them won't be a problem.

 

 

I found 2 wires needing to be grounded on my car. I will post results once done. I have a few things to do beforehand, so maybe today, maybe tomorrow. I will post back if it changed anything.

 

I heard 13.3 when idle and all accessories on.
Wagner is the name brand. I will try Sylvania next paycheck.

Also, I found 2 wires needing to be grounded on my car. I will post results once done. I have a few things to do beforehand, so maybe today, maybe tomorrow. I will post back if it changed anything.