konakat

Wow, I think this is the first time I've seen a thread get resurrected and the OP was actually still around to give an update!

VirginiaF1

Second that!
But its great to see Stig close off the resolution..
My original alternator is finally ready for replacement after 306k.
Searching found this thread which saved me from the VR only path.
Thanks y'all!
-mikey

Tiger03447

Dear Ish: If you are getting 15.5 and above, it will damage the battery. If your battery is low on charge, the regulator could be "pumping up " the battery. Be certain to keep an eye on the water level in the battery as a high voltage will boil it dry. The battery will read all right with a voltmeter, but that is probably just "surface charge". You will have to do a load test on it to confirm whether the battery is OK or not. A low battery..say 10 volts or so, will throw off the alternator readings to the low side, as a good battery voltage has to keep the stator windings in the alternator charged to maintain a good output level. The 15.5 volt level I quoted previously, is the MAX that an alternator should put out..But it depends on what the regulator is set at when they put all the electronic gizmos in it at the factory. Hope this helps some.

CO951

I was actually disappointed to see I hadn't put an update in before, but better late than never!