I went to go take some readings on the alternator this morning and when I pulled back the rubber boot covering the post of the alternator, I discovered the nut holding the wire onto the alternator had backed off.
Yep, sometimes it's the simplest things that need to be checked first. Glad you discovered the problem.
I've never had that alternator nut get loose. Was there not a lock washer on it?
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-24-2015).]
The Loose nut on the alternator may have damaged the diodes inside your replacement alternator. If you see low voltage (under 13.5 volts) at the battery terminals now (after tightening the alternator's nut), you should have the alternator bench tested.
The Loose nut on the alternator may have damaged the diodes inside your replacement alternator. If you see low voltage (under 13.5 volts) at the battery terminals now (after tightening the alternator's nut), you should have the alternator bench tested.
Well i didnt see below 13 volts when I first tightened back down, but apparently it didnt last long as my son was dead after filling up tires with air and car with gas. He couldnt restart after filling up.
If the alternator is not charging, some batteries can be drained to a non-sustaining voltage in as little as 15 to 20 minutes of operation, less if they are partially discharged. It may be wise to recheck your idling voltage again.
And BTW, Patrick's suggestion about adding a lock washer to the output stud was a good one..
If the alternator is not charging, some batteries can be drained to a non-sustaining voltage in as little as 15 to 20 minutes of operation, less if they are partially discharged. It may be wise to recheck your idling voltage again.
And BTW, Patrick's suggestion about adding a lock washer to the output stud was a good one..
Yeah, The car had been sitting for a week and I got duped by the normal reading, Instead of checking the voltage. I don't have time weeknights to look at it because I get home about the time the sun goes down. If it doesnt rain, ill be taking the alternator out today and have it bench tested. Unfortunately, If it is bad, I have to wait another week before a replacement will be in.
I just got back from Advance and the alternator is bad. It was making a awful squeal on the machine. Worker said it was acting wonky. Sometimes it would turn, sometimes it wouldn't (squeal) I dont know why it didnt squeal when it was on the car, but he said it was not performing correctly. A new one is on the way. I'll update when its back in the car.
Before you reinstall the new alternator, take a known straight edge and give the pulleys a good looking at. Do it again after the new one is installed before you fire her up. Peace of mind.
Before you reinstall the new alternator, take a known straight edge and give the pulleys a good looking at. Do it again after the new one is installed before you fire her up. Peace of mind.
Why, to make sure the pulley on the alternator is lined up with pulleys on the engine? That was good on the last alternator. I know because I was concerned about fitment when I switched to the 88 alternator. Worth checking again though.
Well new alternator is in and running. Battery is maintaining 13-14 volts while running. All is good for the moment. {crosses fingers} The one good side effect of this is, I can change an alternator in under an hour. 😁
Well new alternator is in and running. Battery is maintaining 13-14 volts while running. All is good for the moment. {crosses fingers} The one good side effect of this is, I can change an alternator in under an hour. 😁
Jim
Did you have the battery tested? A bad battery could kill your new alternator. It may seem to hold its charge, but any bad cells will end up damaging the regulator and put you back to square one.
Did you have the battery tested? A bad battery could kill your new alternator. It may seem to hold its charge, but any bad cells will end up damaging the regulator and put you back to square one.
Great that you got it going and thanks for updating! Is it still an '88 alternator or did you go back to stock? Also what brand of alternator and where did you get it (them)? Is the first a reman and the second new?
