On my volts gauge the needle is just above the red line (just outside the 8 zone) gauges are dim, and windows going up very slow. I think it is my alternator but how can I be sure. If so, whats alternator should I get to replace it. I now have a cd player in the car and would like to add driving lights later so a higher amp/volt would be better.

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88 White Formula 305 TBI With A New CD Stereo and Abolutly Nothing Else Done To It!

 

Just saw the post below about alt or battery. My battery is about 3 months old so I dont think the prob lies their. I am just going to get another alternator so opinions on them would be helpful.

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88 White Formula 305 TBI With A New CD Stereo and Abolutly Nothing Else Done To It!

 

what does the voltometer read with the keys turned but engine not running?

 

I have your answer! Take a voltage meter and turn it to DC volt and put a lead on each post. If it read about 12v you are good. Next start the engine and repeat the same process. The volt meter should read about 13.5 - 14.0v or around there anyway. If it is not reading that your alt is toast. I know your battery is new but if you aren't getting the voltage out of it it won't charge. Sounds like an alt though.

 

I just replaced my SECOND alternator on my car. GM alternators don't seem to last a long time - 100,000 to 150,000 miles is what I am getting from GM alternators.

Did you (or do you) hear a howling/whining sound under the hood? That is generally the first sign that the alternator is about to go, then your voltage drops below 13.5 volts (normal) as mentioned above.

I think it is a safe bet to replace the alternator given the battery is only 3 months old.

 

The bearings go very quickly on the GM alternators, especially if you get a cheap replacement. If you hear whining from the alternator, buy a new one quickly before it seizes and you throw a belt.

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1987 Camaro Sport Coupe LG4
700R4 with 2.73 open rear
Hypertech chip, 180* stat
L69 Dual snorkel air cleaner with K&N air filter
CK rods with B hanger
Hooker catback
Pioneer DEH-P4000, Pioneer TS-A4615 front TS-A6995 rear
Kenwood KAC-529S driving 8" Bazooka EL804 bass tube

 

Its the original alt and the car does have 110,000 miles on it. Also I did hear a whining noise a few days ago so I am just going to replace the thing. Like I said before, I know have a cd player in the car and want to add driving /fog lights soon, what would be the best amp range for the new alt?

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88 White Formula 305 TBI With A New CD Stereo and Abolutly Nothing Else Done To It!

 

yep its your alternator same thing happened to me last week. my voltage was right above the red. new alt fixed the problem.

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86 Z28:
350 vette
aluminum heads
T-5
235/60R15 BFgoodriches
dual 3"flowmaster exhaust
20% tint
hatch wing
2 12"kicker solos
300 watt Sony xplod amp
Sony xplod deck
K&N air filter

 

Replaced the alternator today ($120 brand new from Pep Boys, Damn you Pep Boys, Damn you to hell) but heres the new problem. I am getting a burning smell from it. I think it was becasue the rubber boot that cover the wire in the back (I believe its the wire that goes to the battery?) dry rotted and stupid me never covered the bolt up. Its close enough to the vavle cover so do you think it was arcing to it causing the burning smell or just another bad alternator?

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88 White Formula 305 TBI With A New CD Stereo and Abolutly Nothing Else Done To It!

 

I had a guage go bad on me. I replaced the alternator and battery and still the guage was low. Of coarse I just didn't throw parts at it. The battery was 7 years old and the bearing on the alternator went bad. Both times I replaced something I was hoping that my guage would read right. I had confidence in my charging system because I kept hooking up my DMM to test the battery voltage and the voltage when the alternator came alive. Everything was good, but the guage was barely above the red.

Then a couple of months ago I bought a 145 speedo cluster. I popped that in and presto, my voltage reads good. In hindsight I wish I had just gone to the boneyard and stuck a volt guage down my pants to see if that was it. Would of saved me several scary moments.


James

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1985 Z-28 305 TPI
165 ECM,STB,SFC,GW "wonderbar"