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starting issues

Old Aug 1, 2007 | 03:08 PM
  #1  
BlkLB9IROC's Avatar
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starting issues

As I was driving my camaro over the past week I noticed my voltage meter on my dash was dropping slowly every time I drove the car it just kept getting lower and lower and Now the car wont start. This is an issue of a bad alternator correct??

Input would be appricieated. Thx
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Old Aug 1, 2007 | 04:22 PM
  #2  
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From: England UK
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LG4 modified
Transmission: 700R4
Re: starting issues

Originally Posted by BlkLB9IROC
As I was driving my camaro over the past week I noticed my voltage meter on my dash was dropping slowly every time I drove the car it just kept getting lower and lower and Now the car wont start. This is an issue of a bad alternator correct??

Input would be appricieated. Thx
It certainly sounds like the alternator is giving up the ghost. The best way to confirm this is to jump start the car, and then check the voltage at the battery posts with a digital volt meter. The dash gauges are notorious for being inaccurate. A good alternator should show between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. More than this can cook the battery, and less will mean the alt is not charging.
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Old Aug 1, 2007 | 05:27 PM
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Re: starting issues

I dont have a digital volt meter and really dont see the need in buying one if the majority agrees its the alternator, I mean it does make sense because my volt meter inside the car has to be somewhat accurate if it read 13.5 one day then 12 the next, then 10 then 8 then the car wouldnt start lol
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Old Aug 2, 2007 | 06:38 AM
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Re: starting issues

Tools. You can never have too many tools. It'll come in handy if you plan on doing all the work on your own car.

Sounds like the alt. You could always have it tested at your local parts store.
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Old Aug 2, 2007 | 06:46 AM
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Re: starting issues

Check your fuses then put an alternator on it. I wouldn't listen to what they tell you about your alternator at the parts store. I just replaced mine after the old one tested good and I've seen dozens of others have similar experiences.
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Old Aug 2, 2007 | 04:28 PM
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From: England UK
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LG4 modified
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Re: starting issues

Originally Posted by BlkLB9IROC
I dont have a digital volt meter and really dont see the need in buying one if the majority agrees its the alternator, I mean it does make sense because my volt meter inside the car has to be somewhat accurate if it read 13.5 one day then 12 the next, then 10 then 8 then the car wouldnt start lol
What majority? I was the first to reply!

Meters are cheap. Alternators are not. I know which one I would rather buy to find the fault with my car. Which one you get is up to you.
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Old Aug 2, 2007 | 04:36 PM
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: starting issues

Originally Posted by BlkLB9IROC
I dont have a digital volt meter and really dont see the need in buying one
Don't get a digital one then, and spend $9 on an analog one.
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Old Aug 2, 2007 | 11:08 PM
  #8  
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Re: starting issues

It was the alternator and what an easy replacement that was, it took about 10 mins to install the new one and the car runs great, thanks for all the input guys.
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 09:05 AM
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Re: starting issues

It's always the alternator..... even if the auto parts store tell you it's not... IT IS!! Glad you got it take care of.
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