Alternator on the way out? Opinions needed
05-24-2004, 04:43 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Alternator on the way out? Opinions needed
When I start the car for the first time of the day, the stock voltmeter on the dash stays at 12v. Then after revving the engine a few times, the needle jumps up to right about 14v, where it usually stays.
I measured the voltage at the battery and the dash gauge is accurate. It seems the alternator is not charging right away and needs to be "nudged" before it starts to do its job.
The alternator is about 2.5 years old (P.O. of alt. it bought from Performance Products) and has an Iceshark V.R. in it.
I'm a little concerned b/c when the old alternator behaved like this, I was stranded in CT soon after.
Any ideas? Anyone selling a GOOD condition OEM alternator?
Thanks...
I measured the voltage at the battery and the dash gauge is accurate. It seems the alternator is not charging right away and needs to be "nudged" before it starts to do its job.
The alternator is about 2.5 years old (P.O. of alt. it bought from Performance Products) and has an Iceshark V.R. in it.
I'm a little concerned b/c when the old alternator behaved like this, I was stranded in CT soon after.
Any ideas? Anyone selling a GOOD condition OEM alternator?
Thanks...
05-25-2004, 12:41 PM
#4
Nordschleife Master
Simpson, I'll bet you a case of beer that it is the "exciter" wire to the alt. We have a 2 wire alt and the alt really won't start charging unless it is excited or you get RPMs up quite a bit. Sounds like your problem.
The exciter wire is a small blue wire that screws into the back of the alt, runs through part of the alt to starter harness and exits along with the red starter solenoid trigger wire and then both go up to a molex plug connection up at the left top of the firewall. Check that blue exciter wire to see if it is connected or fractured.
The exciter wire is a small blue wire that screws into the back of the alt, runs through part of the alt to starter harness and exits along with the red starter solenoid trigger wire and then both go up to a molex plug connection up at the left top of the firewall. Check that blue exciter wire to see if it is connected or fractured.
05-25-2004, 01:05 PM
#5
I have an alternator from an '86 951, if you are interested. Before I ship it, I will take it down to a parts store and get it tested, as right now its unknown to me. After you follow Dan's suggestion (always a good idea!), if you still need it, let me know.
Regard,
Regard,
05-25-2004, 09:44 PM
#6
Instructor
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canterbury, CT
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Originally posted by Peckster
Take it to an auto electric place and ask them to test it. Most alternators can be rebuilt by just about anyone, can't they?
Take it to an auto electric place and ask them to test it. Most alternators can be rebuilt by just about anyone, can't they?
There are several things that can be wrong with a given unit in spite of a bench test. Any rebuilding shop worth its' salt will not give you a go/no go by just spinning it up.
Read my post in this thread:
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...hreadid=128767
...which details these possible problems.
Doug