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01-11-2014, 05:37 PM | #1 |
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New guy
Hey guys, just picked up a 72 C10 with the 350 a few days ago and I've been looking everything over. I searched but did not find any help so I decided to make this my first post.
I noticed last night that with the engine running I am getting 11.8v at the battery. I had the alternator tested at the the auto parts store and they said it passed everything so I figured ok the regulator is bad so I bought one. Installed the regulator and I'm still getting 11.8v while running. 12v when the engine is off. This may be the wrong way of testing the alternator but I put my volt meter to it, one to where the nut connects the red wire and another to each of the other contacts, between the nut and one of the contacts I get 11.8 volts. Engine running by the way, different RPMS and it stays 11.8 Is this alternator bad or did I test it wrong? Thanks guys Bob |
01-11-2014, 05:45 PM | #2 |
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Re: New guy
A bit of added info, the battery has not died on me since I've owned it and I've had the lights on and radio on A LOT. Not to mention I have had it running a lot as well.
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01-11-2014, 05:47 PM | #3 |
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Re: New guy
Hi Bob, and welcome!
At first in reading your post, I was thinking it may be experiencing a draw due to erratic idling. My Plymouth does just that. However, you state that with the "Engine running by the way, [you get] different RPMS and it stays 11.8," makes me think it may be the alternator or voltage regulator. If the RPMs bounced with the different it COULD be a draw from a poorly adjusted carb or something else. Electrical is not my area of expertise. I know that some of our board gurus will chime in shortly. Again, welcome and glad to have you here! -Richard
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01-11-2014, 05:50 PM | #4 |
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Re: New guy
Thanks for the welcome!
And just to be clear, when I said different RPMs I meant when I change the RPMs its the same voltage. Not that the rpms are bouncing around on their own. |
01-11-2014, 09:50 PM | #5 |
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Re: New guy
I took it to another store and they also tested it and said it was good. I noticed though that one of the connector tabs was loose and would slide upward. I figured that probably rattles when the engine is on and doesnt make good contact. I decided to just buy a new alternator and now I get 13.4 volts at idle.
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01-11-2014, 09:53 PM | #6 |
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Re: New guy
Welcome, Sounds like you fixed your problem.
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01-11-2014, 09:54 PM | #7 |
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Re: New guy
Thanks Mathew21. I have more problems but I dont know if I should start a new thread or add here. hmmmm
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01-11-2014, 11:33 PM | #8 |
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Re: New guy
Welcome to the site. Just start a new post and with the caption of what you need would be the easiest way to get the right answers.
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01-15-2014, 12:34 AM | #9 |
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Re: New guy
Hi guys. Been chasing other issues and tested my battery tonight while running. 12.4 at idle and no rise in voltage til probably 2000rpm. Any other ideas? Im at a loss
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01-15-2014, 02:34 AM | #10 |
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Re: New guy
Hey bob8619
... to the forums and from Ohio ...
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01-15-2014, 02:51 PM | #11 |
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Re: New guy
Some alternators dont start charging till over certain RPMS. Could be the reason.
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01-15-2014, 02:57 PM | #12 |
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Re: New guy
I guess it was a problem with one of my grounding wires. Ran new grounds and now I'm at 14.4 at idle.
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01-15-2014, 04:52 PM | #13 |
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Re: New guy
Good grounds are key in electrical flow. I personally ground block to frame and block to cab as well as battery negative post directly to the engine.
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01-15-2014, 05:09 PM | #14 |
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Re: New guy
It still acts kinda funny. When I first start it and even while its choked and running about 1500rpm its saying 12.x volts. When it comes down to regular idle and I rev the engine then it'll go to 14.xx volts. Is this one of those that have to be excited before putting out higher voltage?
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