ok my 85 2.8 camaro does a lot of sitting since we got a yukon to tote the kids. i went to drive it over a weekend and it started but when i put it in gear it died. went to restart and nothing so i checked battery voltage and only had like 6 volts.

jumped it off and checked charging system at battery and at back of alternator and its only chrging at 8.5volts up to 9 volts revved up. what gives it was working when i last drove it about a month ago.

i checked the belt and it is tight. i have never seen one charge at low voltage only all or none type of deal. does this sound like a bad alt or what else could i check? thanks brandon

 

Well the best thing to do is take Alt. off and have it checked, then you would know for sure.

 

Or just replace it. Its a true PITA when you test it, it passes, and then your car dies in the middle of nowhere because you got a false reading from the test. Yes, it happens more than people realize. Something i didnt know until after it happend to me, go figure.

 

 

Sounds bad to me... Probably need a new battery too.

 

Don't forget to keep us posted on what you find out.

 

If the alternator isn't putting out ~14.6 volts its not actually charging the battery...so if you know you measured it right at only 8-9v its definitely bad. And if you have any doubt, jump it, and let it run and see if it dies or not.