Okay, it looks like my replacement alternator is 14.0 volts at the alternator, 13.28 volts at the battery. Is this too big a drop? Should I clean up the battery--alternator connection? I've had bad history of failing alternators with this van (1 a year, almost) so could this be my underlying problem? Thanks... wes By the way, would this really explain my starter motor's behavior? (Starting 1 in 5 times, with no turnover at all when it doesn't start, and otherwise, starting right away)
Daniel L. Katz wrote: > wes: > > most likely the battery is shot. > > assuming that the replacement alternator is working ok (say 13.25 - 14.5 V > across the battery terminals when running), and has had time to charge up > the batery, the battery is probably at fault. > > sometimes batteries fail becasue they develop too much internal > resistance, yet may pass a hydrometer test, and also show the standard > 12.25 V across the terminals (with no load). > > given the symptoms, and assuming the alternator is working ok and has had > time to charge the battery, if she fires up easily with a jump, then the > battery is almost certainly at fault. > > dan > > On Sun, 22 Jan 2006 15:43:05 -0600, Wesley Alden Pegden > <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU> wrote: > > >> Hi guys, >> I'm having frustrating electrical (I think) problems. >> >> First, my van ('84 manual) wouldn't start. Headlights would come on >> > (battery okay) and they would dim when I turned the ignition (so power was > getting to the starter), but it wouldn't turn. I heard a click when I > would turn the key, and again when I would release it. > >> I ordered a rebuilt starter, and finally got around to installing it >> > today. It started twice in a row, so I thought it was okay, but then the > third time it didn't, and I realized I was back where I started. It > starts maybe one out of 5 times, and when it starts, it starts right away. > >> The battery is right at 12.0 volts with the car off. With the key turned >> > all the way (but when it fails to start) it drops to 11.4. If it starts, > it sits at 11.6. So now I figure maybe my alternator is bad. I had an > extra alternator, so I put it in, but absolutely nothing has changed, and > so now I'm stumped. > >> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! >> >> -Wes >> > > |
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