need charging sys help...

[StageZ]

When I first got my 84 K5 she needed a new battery... so, I thought I'd just go for it and replace the alt, battery and the starter just to be sure... well... I have had the new battery for about 2 months... and it's dead... So I got another new battery and still I am not pushing the proper voltage(after the battery had time to drain charge)... I'm not too much an xpert on charging systems but I checked the voltage when my engine is running and the MAX(when nothing is on) is around 11.3 volts... when I turn everything on it drops to around 9.1...shouldn't the alt put out 13.4 no matter what condition the battery is in? Is my new alternator messed up? how can I check without goin to a shop? I don't have a good ammeter and am broke so checking amps aint gonna happen... the alt I have is a powermaster 140 amp alt that should push 70 amps at idle... any suggestions and comments will help... should I take it back? (BTW, I checked the resistance of all main power and ground wires, they are goood and have new battery lines) thanks in advance....

 

[Highlander]

If it was mine I'd take it back.

<a target="_blank" href=http://cethern.tripod.com/erics-home-page-and-other-stuff/>http://cethern.tripod.com/erics-home-page-and-other-stuff/</a>
AMSOIL Dealer # 529948
[email protected]

 

[xnoahx]

If you dont have the tools to check, then youll have to take the alt somewhere to get it tested. Most parts stores will test an alt for free off a vehicle. ive heard that a bad battery can mess up an alternator but who konws about that

My 73 K5 <a target="_blank" href=http://www.geocities.com/xk5blazerx/73k5.htm>http://www.geocities.com/xk5blazerx/73k5.htm</a> 350/TH350/NP203, Q-jet, Edelbrock intake, Vortec heads, 4" lift, and 36" TSL's

 

[Chris Demartini]

<font color=blue>Take it to a Sears we check everything for $12, including the alternator output under load and not under load, and we also check the diodes.

 

[dyeager535]

I assume with the numbers you are posting, you are NOT using the stock gauge for measuring volts?

9 is really low....but anything over 12 at max load is ok, as long as you are over 12 volts, you are still charging.Since you are nowhere near that, you definitely need to find thge source of the problem.


Dorian
My tech/links page: <a target="_blank" href=http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html>http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html</a>
No anti-theft measures on your truck? No pity when its stolen

 

[Smitty]

What type of voltage does the alternator put out if you bump the rpms up a little? Some of the "high output" alternators don't really start putting out at idle.

Smitty