Alternator Heat Soak?
05-06-2010, 12:27 PM
#1
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Alternator Heat Soak? 2000 SS, a couple different alternators, 3 guaranteed good red tops, but the car keeps doing the same thing. Start it up and it's charging between 14.5-14.8. The longer it runs the lower the charge gets, finally settling around 13.2 volts. A/C on or off, stereo on or off, lights on or off, all the same result.
05-06-2010, 01:21 PM
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Alternators generally put out between 13.8 and 14.8 while the vehicle is running. My car usually sits around 14. If dropping to 13.1-13.2 is normal on a f-body, that's something I didn't know. I haven't driven it far enough to see if it goes below that.
05-06-2010, 01:41 PM
#4
When they get hot they will drop voltage. As long as it doesn't dip below where you are now it is fine. I would upgrade the power lead from the alternator to the battery and assure all of your grounds are good.
There are better options out there as far as alternators go if you want more output. Powerbastards makes an awesome 220amp alternator that puts out a solid 14.2 volts at idle. Much better than the AC Delco unit. And they have a reputation for lasting a lot longer.
There are better options out there as far as alternators go if you want more output. Powerbastards makes an awesome 220amp alternator that puts out a solid 14.2 volts at idle. Much better than the AC Delco unit. And they have a reputation for lasting a lot longer.
05-06-2010, 03:42 PM
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This is also a problem at any rpm, not just idle. The only similar situations I could find searching on here involved fluctuations and other problems. Mine just drops steadily, no spikes. Checked the wires and cleaned the connections...still dropping.
05-06-2010, 08:53 PM
#7
What I meant was the voltage regulator provides high voltage initally to charge the battery but as the battery gets full the voltage is reduced. Once fully charged there is no need to produce higher voltage than 13vdc and add extra load to the motor for no reason.
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05-06-2010, 09:38 PM
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Well I used the shotgun approach. Cleaned all the connections on the alternator and wires, sanded down the ground strap on the block and where it connects to the block, replaced the pigtail connector and extended the wire (got rid of the butt connector that was on there and soldered it in).
Drove it around for about 45 minutes with the radio, lights, and A/C on, and now it stays right at 14.1 volts
Drove it around for about 45 minutes with the radio, lights, and A/C on, and now it stays right at 14.1 volts
