electrical
06-06-2007, 04:31 PM
#1
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electrical
Anyone have any ideas why my headlights would go quickly brighter/dimmer as the engine is running? Is the alternator telling me it's time is due? Checked the belt, and it's seems nice & tight.
Any input would be great.
Thanks, ga
Any input would be great.
Thanks, ga
06-06-2007, 04:38 PM
#2
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Put a volt-ohm meter across your battery terminals. Read your voltage at idle (13.2 - 13.6v), and at a steady 2500 rpm over 30 seconds (13.6 - 14.1v). There should be no spikes...
06-09-2007, 04:35 PM
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I guess my question is: Generator with seperate regulator, or generator/alternator with built-in regulator? If it's gen/reg set-up, it might be a little easier to R&R regulator if it lives on electrical panel in left side of engine compartment (I R&R'ed my wife's '69 with no headaches). If it's all behind the fan, it's a tad more work.
Check the amp-flow going into the battery at the battery post with an amp meter with the engine running. If it trickling in around 8 to 10 amps at idle and ramps way up under higher rev's (say between 20 and 60 amps) your regulator is toast. Also, check volts going in to the battery. If the volts jump from 12.5V or so at idle to 16V between at 5K rpm's, the regulator is toast. This will ultimately cook your battery, as well. May even cook some of the 30-amp relays (fuel pump relay, headlght relays, etc).
Just my 2-cents. Good luck.
Check the amp-flow going into the battery at the battery post with an amp meter with the engine running. If it trickling in around 8 to 10 amps at idle and ramps way up under higher rev's (say between 20 and 60 amps) your regulator is toast. Also, check volts going in to the battery. If the volts jump from 12.5V or so at idle to 16V between at 5K rpm's, the regulator is toast. This will ultimately cook your battery, as well. May even cook some of the 30-amp relays (fuel pump relay, headlght relays, etc).
Just my 2-cents. Good luck.
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06-11-2007, 05:49 PM
#8
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ga what car do you have ?
If I rememeber you have an 86 Carerra so it is built in to the alternator. MAy be time to have the whole thing refurbished.PS most meters will not handle beyond 10amps without blowing the internal fuse unless you have a currrent clamp. I would suggest the voltage test first.
If I rememeber you have an 86 Carerra so it is built in to the alternator. MAy be time to have the whole thing refurbished.PS most meters will not handle beyond 10amps without blowing the internal fuse unless you have a currrent clamp. I would suggest the voltage test first.
06-13-2007, 06:36 PM
#10
ga,
On my '85 the headlights were flickering for a long time. Battery was loosing fluid somewhat and positive terminal corroding.
The brushes in the regulator and slip rings were worn out after 87K miles on the rebuild.
Rebuilt again for ~$100 at local electrical shop.
On my '85 the headlights were flickering for a long time. Battery was loosing fluid somewhat and positive terminal corroding.
The brushes in the regulator and slip rings were worn out after 87K miles on the rebuild.
Rebuilt again for ~$100 at local electrical shop.