I just installed a new alternator in my GTA. It seems good the Gauge reads 13 (good) but there is kind of an electric smell (not buring) just kind of weird, is that because its new?

Any ideas!!

 

Could be, the paint and varnish may be just baking inside the alt.

I'd let it go for a few days and see if it goes away. Probably will.

 

when running the gauge should read 14 or so as the battery is charging. Only when the ignition is set to on (but not started) should it read just 13.

If your gauge is reading below 14 when running then your alternator is not doing what it should be.

 

Hold on, my Voltmeter reads 13 all day long as I drive the thing. If I have a lot of electrical load, headlights, heater, cooling fans, it will sag below 13 when I'm sitting at a traffic light and the engine is at idle. Soon as I get it going, it goes back to 13. The only time it's over 13 is when I've just started it up, and for the first 5 minutes or so.

I think that's they way it should work.

Alt is a CS130

 

13 is cool. If it reads anything below 12 then you should start questioning your alternator's functioning capacity.

 

In my parts store experience, parts like alternators, starters, etc.. usually have a little bit of an oily film on them, so that parts don't corrode before they are installed. Its probably just that burning off.

 

Mine always says 13 too!

 

Ha! Beat you! Mines almost 15 all the time! na na na na na!