I've been having pure fits getting my car running.

Here's what I've notice recently. I suspect that there is something amiss with the altenator.

I was running the engine attempting to tune and adjust some things. It was getting dark and I noticed what I thought was a spark coming from the alternator. At the time I drew it up to a reflection of the timing gun off of the chrome valve covers.

I noticed it again a few times, but certainly rarely.

Then with the ignition switch on, but the car not running, there is an electrical buzz coming from the instrument cluster.

Then when I run the car at speed, say cruising at 3000 rpm or so, you hear a definate wine coming from under the hood. At first I thought it was coming from the distributor, but I don't think so anymore.

Also, cruising at above 3000 rpm, the voltage meter shows 13 volts, and below 3000 it's a little higher where it normally is. My voltage meter has never been returned, so I haven't been able to check it out yet.

Anybody experience this, and if so, do you think that it could be contributing to my occassional weak spark?

Also, the plastic protectors that seperate the two prongs on the alt are long gone. They were dry and brittle and just crumbled. I've rigged up some electrical tape, but it may be too late.

Anybody ever had something like this, or heard of it.....please advise.

 

Get a voltmeter and check voltage across the battery with the engine off...it should be around 12vdc. Start the engine and check battery voltage again....it should be at least 12v but may go up to 14-15vdc. Your volts gauge on the das should also read the same thing. If you get the proper readings your alternator is functioning properly.

Check your engine belt(s) to make sure they are good and tight in order to rule out whining. If this is good and you can isolate the whine to the alternator, get a new one...same if there is any corrosion on the leads that you have e-tape over it.

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92 Camaro RS LO3, 5-spd, T-tops
Performance:
SLP 1 3/4" Headers (Coated by Paul Barry Motorsports), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Fastchip Performance PROM, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Xact 8mm wires, Open Air Element w/K&N Filter, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
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