Alternator pushing out up to 16v
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 328
Likes: 22
Alternator pushing out up to 16v
Hey,
I am having some real bad luck with my Alternator and here is what has happened:
I replaced the regulator/brush component and the condenser while the alternator was out for engine rebuild
Mechanic installed the alternator, then installed the engine, but charging light came on. He checked and he told me no voltage was coming from the alternator
Alternator removed and new Bosch regulator/brush component installed
While driving the car I noticed that anything with a bulb was flickering.
Checked the battery and was advised to replace it, but lights still flickered.
Checked DC voltage across the battery with digi meter and saw the voltage jumping from 13 to 16.1v.
Could a faulty regulator have damaged a diode(s) when taking the alternator out from the cowling?
Are those diodes an item you can replace, or do you have to change the alternator?
Cheers
Alex
I am having some real bad luck with my Alternator and here is what has happened:
I replaced the regulator/brush component and the condenser while the alternator was out for engine rebuild
Mechanic installed the alternator, then installed the engine, but charging light came on. He checked and he told me no voltage was coming from the alternator
Alternator removed and new Bosch regulator/brush component installed
While driving the car I noticed that anything with a bulb was flickering.
Checked the battery and was advised to replace it, but lights still flickered.
Checked DC voltage across the battery with digi meter and saw the voltage jumping from 13 to 16.1v.
Could a faulty regulator have damaged a diode(s) when taking the alternator out from the cowling?
Are those diodes an item you can replace, or do you have to change the alternator?
Cheers
Alex
Last edited by Alexd912; May 5, 2024 at 04:40 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 485
Likes: 126
From: TX
Yes. A faulty VR can damage the diodes. I don't think you can replace individual diodes, but rather the rectifier itself. If you are already at this spot, take the alternator to a rebuild shop which will replace the bearings too.
At load you should see a max of 14.2-14.3V. Any more than that you are damaging your battery too.
At load you should see a max of 14.2-14.3V. Any more than that you are damaging your battery too.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 328
Likes: 22
Yes. A faulty VR can damage the diodes. I don't think you can replace individual diodes, but rather the rectifier itself. If you are already at this spot, take the alternator to a rebuild shop which will replace the bearings too.
At load you should see a max of 14.2-14.3V. Any more than that you are damaging your battery too.
At load you should see a max of 14.2-14.3V. Any more than that you are damaging your battery too.
My mechanic will take it this week, but I was trying to get my hands on an oscilloscope to try and test the Ripple at the 12V battery when the car is running.
From what I have read this could give an indication if the Rectifier is damaged or not.
I was trying to find a new rectifier, but it could be worth getting it rebuilt or an exchange unit as I have no idea how old it is.
It is a refurbished unit, but no date
Thanks again.
Alex
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 133
My less-fancy method of checking alternator/regulator health while driving was to take my multimeter, wedge it on the dash and front windshield, and connect it to the battery with a length of speaker wire. Then, while driving around, I could see exactly what voltage my electrical system was seeing. That was particularly useful for intermittent issues. Another option would be to buy one of those volt meters that plugs into the cigarette lighter, but I was too cheap for that and already had a multimeter.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 328
Likes: 22
My less-fancy method of checking alternator/regulator health while driving was to take my multimeter, wedge it on the dash and front windshield, and connect it to the battery with a length of speaker wire. Then, while driving around, I could see exactly what voltage my electrical system was seeing. That was particularly useful for intermittent issues. Another option would be to buy one of those volt meters that plugs into the cigarette lighter, but I was too cheap for that and already had a multimeter.
Thanks again.
Alex
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 328
Likes: 22
Had to stop driving it till I could get the replacement Bosch alternator.
It seems that it was not a case if it will go, rather when as we could see signs of damage and at least one of the diodes looked like it was damaged.
So I got to drive it 2 days after the engine rebuild and now off the road for another week to 2 till I get the alternator
Cheers again.
Alex
It seems that it was not a case if it will go, rather when as we could see signs of damage and at least one of the diodes looked like it was damaged.
So I got to drive it 2 days after the engine rebuild and now off the road for another week to 2 till I get the alternator
Cheers again.
Alex
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