Started the IROC up today, charged a bounce 13 volts for about 90 seconds, and then just 12 volts, not charging. I drove it to get gas, and shut it off. Started right up, still not charging. Drove it the mile back home, hit the altenator a few times with a ratchet, not charging. Let it set 20 minutes, started right up, still nothing. This would definatly be the altenator right? I know I know, get it tested. I'm just trying to sell it, and don't have the money to chase parts on a car I won't even have. I must say its one hell of a battery though... started and ran a whole bunch of times with no charging! Good stuff!

 

Possibly so... you might want to check it with a real voltmeter to be sure; but it sounds like you need a new alt.

 

I think autozone/advanced auto will check them too for free if you don't have a meter, just take an extra battery for the ride =]

 

How do you check the voltage, can you use a multi-meter? I don't want to burn mine up.

 

I'm getting my voltage based on the gauge in the car. I know they tend not to be terribly accurate, but it has always corresponded correctly to blinkers, fans, headlights, rear defrost, etc. You could hear the altenator load and unload when the voltage was up and down at idle.

Another question, how long do you think the car would run without the altenator. This is putting no accesories on, just running and driving. I have a guy that came and looked at it today, but we didn't take it for a test drive because of the dead alt. He said he's bringing a fresh battery tomorrow, so we can go out, if it dies, we'll get it back on the fresh battery. He likes it, if it test drives good for him... and it will, he said he'll buy it. I sure hope so! I love it, but I need the bucks right now. Thanks guys.

 

Since you've been starting it and running it without the alternator charging.. not very long. On a full battery I think it should last at least an hour(ask me how I know that ).