ok...this is real annoying and i can't seem to trace the issue from where its from....

when i start the car the voltage only reads about 10 volts......i rev the engine and it comes up to full charge...i replaced the altenator and that was bad but the problem was still there...the battery is a half of year old and is an red top optima....anyone have a clue to this?.............

 

I've usually tracked weird electrical problems to a weak ground. Have you checked the ground wire?

 

Are you using underdrive sheaves by any chance?

 

all my pullies are stock...is that what you mean?

 

O'K. Since everything in the charging system is basically stock, it's time for a little fact-finding.

• What is the idle RPM when you start the engine?
  
• If you have NO other accessories or lights turned on, does the charging voltage change or remain low?
  
• If you turn on the headlights, does the voltage drop even further?
  
• If you rev the engine to raise the voltage, does it drop again once the engine is idling?

These may be important clues to what is happening. Load will affect charging voltage, as will RPM and any resistances, like 89 suggested.

 

lets see....no kind of load is on, no light...just the motor being cranked over, fired up and started....then it sits and idles normal but it sits at about 10 volts till i rev up the motor and then everything is fine again...this happens everytime i start it up

 

O.K. Just for grins, verify the dash voltmeter reading with a separate meter. Chances are, the dash gauge is pretty close, but just in case.

Another thing to check is the connections and ground at the alternator.

You could also check the belt condition and tension. I'm guessing that your '84 still has a 'V' belt drive, right?

 

the voltage guage for once is reading right cuz when i rev it up the lights on the dash brighten up...i can check the grounds near the alternator but i usually double check that stuff when i reassemble things after i take them apart....

as for the v-belt i swapped out a set of those for stock 86 camaro 5 rib pullies cuz the belt had a slight problem of staying on the pullies at 5500 shift into 2nd...the belt is not that old...