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Old May 17, 2008 | 11:20 PM
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Default Low charging voltage
I just noticed aabout a week ago that my running voltage is only at about 13.5-13.8 or so, which is kind of low.

From what I know this means my alternator is ready to croack. But, my 98 z28 only has 73k.

Is there any other cause for this?

Or should I just swap out the alternator?
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Old May 17, 2008 | 11:29 PM
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Seems normal to me, both of my cars run in that range. My older stuff used to run at 14.7, but both of my LS1's run around 13.8
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Old May 17, 2008 | 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 9000th01ss
Seems normal to me, both of my cars run in that range. My older stuff used to run at 14.7, but both of my LS1's run around 13.8

Really?

I thought it was supposed to be over 14.xx v


I may wrong, if so I don't have swap out the alternator.


Anyone else have a different running number?
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Old May 18, 2008 | 06:26 AM
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Around 14v is normal for most any car. If your really concerned you could overdrive the alternator.
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Old May 18, 2008 | 08:39 AM
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What voltage is everyone else seeing on their f-body?
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Old May 18, 2008 | 10:48 AM
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Depends on what accessories, if any, are running. Do you have a digital gauge or are you just going by the gauge on the dash?
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Old May 18, 2008 | 11:24 AM
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I had everything running BTW, I was logging with HPTuners and it said 13.x volts. I got out my meter and put it on the battery, and then from the terminal by the relay box to ground and it read 13.8 at all locations.
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Old May 18, 2008 | 04:37 PM
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I got 13.8v with my multimeter right at the battery with nothing in the car on except the day time running lights and the stereo barely on.
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Old May 18, 2008 | 04:44 PM
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Im seeing the same.
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Old May 18, 2008 | 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by samson_420
I just noticed aabout a week ago that my running voltage is only at about 13.5-13.8 or so, which is kind of low.

From what I know this means my alternator is ready to croack. But, my 98 z28 only has 73k.

Is there any other cause for this?

Or should I just swap out the alternator?
this is absolutely normal, these alternators are regulated anywhere from 13.5-14.5 volts, but it also depends on the temp of the alternator

when the alternator is cold it will regulate at a higher voltage than when its hot
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Old May 18, 2008 | 11:36 PM
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Good to know, so the alternator stays. - for now
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