Hello Again,
Lately I have noticed that as the my car heats up the
alternator output seems to diminish as measured on the
voltmeter. At idle (~800 RPM) just after start up the
meter indicates ~13 volts. As the temp rises the
readings drop down to 10-11 volts. Putting a hand held
meter on the back of the alternator and on the battery
terminals produce the same results.
I bypassed the voltage regulator and the readings on
the guage jumped up to 14+. Thinking I had found the
problem, I replaced the regulator. With the new
regulator installed I get the same readings as with
the original regulator. What gives? I'm sure I'm
missing something simple. Is it just a bad
alternator? If so why the change with the regulator
bypassed?
FYI- It is a cheap O'Reilly reman Ford alternator. I
don't think I have any abnormal electrical loads (i.e.
stereo, accessories) that would require a hi amp unit.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in
advance.
Scott Minton
66 Mk1a
P.S. Thanks to all who responded to my CAT spring
questions. The advice was helpful!
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