I just got an 1987 RS, and need your expert help. OK here goes. The head lights are very dim , I know its an older car but they are way too dim. The alternator does charge, but then again the voltometer isnt wokring. Any thoughts?

 

Could be that the alternator is charging but not charging enough. Take it off and have it tested at a parts store (Auto Zone, Advanced, etc)

 

Try replacing the lights first.... I assume you already did this, but ya never know.. If you've done this, I believe you can check the alternator's output using a hand-held multimeter, but I'm not sure about exactly how..I'm sure there's someone on the boards that can fill in my blank. Does the car idle slow or sound funny, or slightly surge? Try flipping on some accessories. Sign of an alternator putting out low power is once you start cranking those accessories on, such as reg lights, high beams, interior lights, vents, stereo....the engine is gonna get rough or your idle will drop down. If the alternator is severely bad, your car will actually stall. Seen it happen before to a buddy of mine. Every time he turned his headlights on, his motor died. Although granted it was in a 65 Mustang..quite a different machine!

 

MD...those places test alternators too??

 

Yep sure do. I worked at an AutoZone form 1996 thru 1998 and tested a bunch of them. Last alternator they (Auto Zone) tested for me was onmy wife's Buick. I know Pep Boys does it too but be sure to stand by the guy doing it because the guys that work at Pep Boys in My area are a bunch of doped up R___ERS

 

Thancks for the advise, very helpful. One more thing I can hear what sound like an exhuast leak from the cat, like a PUT-PUT sound. I also feel a lose of power. Is it time for a new cat?

 

Good to know...thanks......

 

I'd probably buy a new cat since your stock one I'm sure is all crapped up, and have it re-clamped on there securely or do what I did..have it welded....no leaks then! The factory exhaust system came clamped though, so you might just be able to tighten up the cat clamps and seal it enough to stop the leak...assuming it's at the joint...

 

First get under the car and check the connections at the cat, pipes etc. Look for any Black "soot-like" deposits. It could be a minor leak causing the PUT-PUT sound.

EDIT: Check the charging system first as I have found that fixing that sometimes restores lost power.

 

You guys realy know your stuff, thanks agian.

 

We know things cause we've all been through the same problems man...

 

Mine has that put put sound from the "cat" which is my connection of my front pipe, to my back pipe has a fubar connection. I'm gussing its loose, or has some simple, but prob. expensive solution.

As most my problems

 

Ha ha....you know Dale, now that I think about it...out of everyone on these boards, I think I remember you as havin the most problems! Course I guess that isn't a good thing huh....

 

To test the alternator with a meter, check battery voltage when the car's off; should be close to 12. Start the car, then check voltage at the battery again; should be 13.8 volts.