Ok, I've checked just about everything at this point and the only thing I can really peg is the system voltage seems to degrade over time.

Here's the question: what symptoms would I experience if the alternator on my '86 TPI car is going out? I suspect as current load increases, voltage drops. What woiuld I expect the car to do in that circumstance?

What I'm experiencing is a lack of acceleration over about 2500 RPM or partial throttle. It just seems flat and has no guts over 2500. I can get it up to 60 MPH but if I hammer it there is no acceleration and I can't get the tranny to kick down.

Thanks,

 

to me from my past experence its fould like fuel filter pluging up but on the alt you would get a grinding noise, more power pulled from engine to turn it, lower charge level, belt slipage, burning smell ( hapened to me once )

 

Well, that theory is out the window. I had the alternator tested today. At 80 amps it was rock solid at 14.0 volts so I doubt that is the problem. I'm alternating between working on the Camaro and getting the sidecar set up on my FLH (got a ride coming up this weekend) so I probably won't have a chance to run another round of diagnostics but will likely get back to the car next week.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Do a voltage check from the block to the battery ground with headlights on and off, it should not change. a bad ground connection at the block or battery post will give bad alternator type symptoms.